half term - both parents working full time - what to do?

[Mfichardt]

Hi, we're new to school holidays and the reality of half term has kicked in. We will take the odd day off but was wondering if there are any activities in the area which will suit full time working parents? Any other ideas welcome...

Thanks

M

[katgod]

Holiday Drop Off? search on here or i think he website is holiday dropoff.co.uk - is good fun.

Play date swap with friends?

This is why I am not convinced that school based childcare as announced at the Labour conference is such a good idea, as it still leaves 13 weeks of childcare to cover.

[hazelnunhead]

If you do a search for Artastic, you will find that there are some full day art workshops if your child might be interested in that. Usually on a Monday and Wednesday.

Other than that there are cooking workshops (crafty cooks), and sometimes sports days at peckham rye or some of the schools.

Good luck!

[Mfichardt]

Great, thanks both.

M

[lorraineliyanage]

Nimble Arts runs at Heber School and does a mixture of art, drama and music every weekday during half-term.

http://nimblearts.co.uk/?page_id=408

 

[JulieP]

Dulwich Hamlet football club usually do a sports holiday club. Our not particularly sporty children have done this a few times and enjoyed it. You do have to pick them up by 4.30 though.

They usually advertise on here and you could probably do a search for previous posts from them. Last time I used them I could also book online.

[tyor]

Mfichardt,

I know what you're going through since we were also in the same shoe this time last year. Holiday Drop off is very good. Only problem is that the kids have to be 4yrs old and up. We have a 5 and a 3yr old. AVP Sports (www.avpsports.co.uk) is brilliant aka known as Scamps for the junior kids. Though they are primarily open for the summer, Easter is the only half term they do. Our 5yr old son loves it. They use Dulwich Prep School ground including the swimming facilities.

Good luck.

[Trish]

We have the same problem. I'm currently considering either Holiday Drop Off or the Nimble Arts at Heber School. I'll probably let my daughter decide which one she prefers. I'll then ask my employer if I can take half a day or a day of leave to allow for me getting into work a little late and having to leave a little early for collection. And I'm taking the Friday off to spend with her.

So basically when each holiday comes around we busk it!!! No school holiday has ever been the same but we always seem to muddle through somehow. I think the key is ensuring they do something varied - over summer we try to space it out so she shares some one on one time with each of us in between staying with relatives/holiday clubs. The most important thing to her is that she is at home with us each evening.

Good luck! I share your pain!

[Mfichardt]

Thanks all for the ideas, good to know we're not alone ...

M

[Carbonara]

The Supercamps childcare holiday clubs are great. The closest is based at Clapham and Streatham Girls school in Streatham Hill. They do Mon-Fri, 9-5, or from 8 am and until 6pm if you need to extend. You can use childcare vouchers to pay. I have used them - the care is good and the activities fun. You can book a whole week or individual days. The leaders are great.