Harlequin Out Of School Clubs

Message for the Ofsted inspector: I just wanted to send an email to let you know how wonderful Harlequins is and how highly it is valued by parents. My children are warmly welcomed every morning and have breakfast. Even when we are running a little late they are always provided whatever they would like to eat. I am always confident the children will be well cared for and occupied with fun and interesting tasks and activities throughout the day. I think it says a lot about the club that my children can spend over 8 hours there and still want more time to play and finish projects when I arrive to collect them.

The activities are always well thought out and age appropriate for the children and take their interests into account. I am so happy they get to engage daily in tasks that develop fine motor and gross motor skills as well as the social learning that comes with engaging in play and turn taking. I think without the club I would not believe it possible for my son to happily spend that much time away from a screen (TV or tablet). The children are all aware of the need to be kind to each other and to obey the rules of the club. They have wonderful space in which to play both inside and out. The staff work hard to engage them in play and manage any differences that the children may have throughout the day. I get good feedback from staff about my children when I get to the club. Lauren and Charlie are happy to tell me what they get up to on their days at the club. My daughter had a toileting accident last week and I was so impressed how the staff tried to ensure she kept her dignity and she did not feel at all embarrassed in front of other children.

Harlequins also provided with an evening snack which I feel really shows the clubs understanding of children and how a packed lunch will not always suffice until dinner in the evening. It means I never collect hungry and grumpy children.

The Harlequins outings are also so well planned and managed. A list and reminders are sent to parents of exactly what they need to pack and provide to ensure the trip goes smoothly. This is so useful as it can be really difficult to ensure everyone has everything they need. The children’s safety is paramount on these days and it is reassuring as a parent to know this.

I am sure Ofsted will see what all the parents do on her visit …That Harlequins is the best! I always highly recommend it to anyone looking for childcare.

Susan