St Helen's Holiday Club
23rd September UPDATE - we are in a position to open up very limited October holiday club places at St Helen's, Alveston to registered OOSC users, following all updated Covid 19 government advice - book now using the Quick Bookings Menu!
We have been providing high-quality after school care at St Helen's since Easter 2009 and Holiday Clubs since summer 2012. We were inspected in August 2018 and awarded Outstanding status by Ofsted! Click here to see our latest Outstanding Ofsted inspection
Holiday Club
OOSC HOLIDAY CLUB - OPEN TO ALL LOCAL PRIMARY-AGED CHILDREN registered with OOSC
FULL TIME during all holidays (excluding bank holidays) from February - October
The Club Classroom, St Helen's Primary School, Alveston
A few photos from Summer 2020 - sports week!
HOLIDAY CLUB HOURS MOBILE: 07935 055351
Ofsted inspection 2018:
As OOSC manager, on 29th August I was fortunately at home to receive ‘the phone call’ saying we were to be inspected on Thursday 30th August at 7.30am! Luckily, Mandy Tomlinson who was having a well-earned break after running the holiday club over the summer and Hannah Meade, After School Club leader, were available to drop their holiday plans and join me at the club for a very rigorous inspection. The inspector, Amanda Burn was known to me from our Outstanding inspection at St Mary’s Bradley Stoke Club in March and was obviously expecting the same high standards. She was not to be disappointed!
The inspection report highlights so many positive aspects of the club:
The ‘skilful staff thoroughly enjoy devising new and challenging activities, which are highly motivating and beneficial for the children’. Mandy, Hannah and the team are ‘successful at creating routines which support and meet children’s needs to a high level’.
The team ‘respect and value all children as unique individuals’
‘Children’s behaviour is exemplary’
‘Opportunities to develop physical, creative and problem-solving skills are excellent’
‘Staff get to know, understand and listen to children extremely well. They demonstrate great respect for children’s thoughts, ideas and choices’
The inspector and myself were required to complete a joint observation, so Viv Heyes led an exciting slime-making activity with Stuart where ‘staff praise them for taking the initiative and children thank them too, which adds to their confidence’.
For me, the phrases which sum up our ethos at OOSC are:
‘Positive and effective relationships and partnerships are at the heart of the provision’
‘Everyone is included, and all exude great happiness, emotional well-being, independence and self-confidence’.
Many thanks to the parents who were interviewed on the day and the amazing feedback we received.
Thank you to Mandy, Viv and Freda for all their hard work devising exciting activities for the children over the summer and on the day of the inspection. For Hannah who came over from Wales to be rigorously interviewed about the amazing After School Club she leads; Stuart, Abbie, Lauren, Teresa, Renata, Ruggiero, Georgia, Mia, George, Robyn and Sid (the summer holiday club team), plus Jenny, Elaine and Anya (after school) who all make the holiday club and after school club such a great place to be!
Please note the number quoted on the report of 173 relates to all children registered with the after school and holiday club and the inspection is only completed on children in the 4-8 age range. The number of places available relates to 25 holiday club places we have available, whereas after school club accommodates 30 children.
Cath Purchase
OOSC manager
Ofsted (2015) commented:
‘Staff are skilled and knowledgeable about the children’ who have ‘stimulating experiences’ and ‘encourage their independence and social interactions’
The children ‘behave exceptionally well’ and are ‘fully involved in preparing club rules’
Staff ‘encourage children’s risk taking’ and ‘encourage children to make independent choices about their play’.
There is ‘an abundant range of stimulating toys’ and ‘children benefit greatly from a well-equipped outdoor environment’
‘staff encourage children’s understanding of safe practices exceptionally well’
Children ‘have a good sense of belonging’
The children ‘comment positively on how they like meeting new people and the friendliness of the staff’
OCTOBER 2020 - things are looking a little different this holiday, We are only accepting a very small group of children so book early to avoid disappointment!
The holiday club has use of all the school's outdoor facilities and is run by our team of qualified and experienced OOSC staff. The cost is as our Welcome letter October 2020
We accept Childcare Vouchers. The cost includes all activities, insurance and regular drinks and snacks. We will be outside as much as possible!
Children must bring their own packed lunch (NO NUT PRODUCTS) this summer
The holiday club is open to all Primary-aged children in the locality. Once OOSC registration has been completed you will be able to book sessions online, using the Sessions Calendar, Sessions List or Quick Bookings menu.
We require the New Registration form to be completed for each child attending the Holiday Club. They are available under 'My Bookings' to logged-in customers.
HOLIDAY CLUB HOURS MOBILE: 07935 055351
Holiday club Supervisors and Playworkers : Mandy, Freda, Cath, Robyn, Sid, Max, Will and Chaiye.