JAM after school club?

[shirkingworking]

Hello - I'm (unusually) thinking ahead and trying to work out childcare options once my youngest starts primary school. We're considering an after school/holiday nanny but I wondered if anybody has any experience of JAM? I'm worried that leaving the children in childcare until 6.30 every evening (when I could collect them) is a very long day for them but I thought I'd ask to see what experiences other people have of it? We're also thinking about an au pair.

Thanks very much!

[KatDew]

My little boy has started reception this year and is going to JAM two days a week. He's enjoying himself so far. They seem to do quite a range of activities and they get a hot meal.

I really liked that there are kids from a wide variety of schools. My son also likes it because their are male 'teachers' there, whereas seemingly his whole school is staffed by women.

I probably wouldn't use it as an option if I needed 4 or 5 days a week because as you say it makes for a very long day.

They also run good value holiday 'clubs' but I have no experience of these

[shirkingworking]

Thanks KatDew. Yup - I think I'd prefer for the children not to do that 5 days a week (even though it does sound v good). I do like that there are male "teachers" there.... DS's whole school is staffed by women. Not one man! I am bracing myself for an After School/Holiday Nanny search in about 9 months time!

[KatDew]

You could always do a mixture. Maybe a couple of days a week at the after school club and a few days with a nanny? Gives them variety and gives you access to the school holiday activities if you wanted/needed them.

[DVnewbie]

posted in error so deleted!