AFTER SCHOOL – FREEDOM TO PLAY homepage
The king of play that many of us remember when we got home from school, threw our books on the sofa and we raced outside and played - making up new games and new rules.
We put a diary and pictures of each play session on our blog: Swainswick Explorers Dairy
Term-time afternoons we run a play session after school. First of all the children eat tea and then play freely in several outdoor and indoor spaces which are rich with play opportunities.
Description of the play space
2 acre garden with spaces for muddy play, slopes for riding trikes down, large area for playing games like kick the can, football etc, row of mature trees, bonfire area, camp fire area, rabbit and vegetable garden, small hut, lots of 'rubbish' e.g. rubble, poles, scaffolding, ropes and more to make treehouses, castles etc. Courtyard space with tree stumps, ramp, cobbles, a fire area and chopping wood area. Indoor play space includes 3 play rooms and a library, lots of toys, books and music. We often cook in the kitchen.
Tea is a choice of home made bread & spreads with variety of other snacks like apples, raisins, nuts, cheese. Sometimes we cook popcorn or fry eggs, make home-made chips.
We pick up from local schools currently Swainswick, Batheaston, Bathford, Monkton Farleigh, St Saviours Infants and Juniors and St Stephens and home schooled children. Please ask us if your child is at another school. The cost is £14.50 until 5.30pm. Additional hours are £1.25 per 15 mins up to 8.15pm. Club days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please call for more information or to arrange a visit.
Description of a session: Tuesday 13th May 2008. This afternoon, we were treated to a major badminton tournament with Kester, George and Jodie. We lost count of the score, but it went well beyond 100! Cathy and Margaret added some new features to Cathy's den, including a ladder and some tyre-chairs. Meanwhile, Tiri, Rosa and Abi got hooked on interior design by creating a ribbon spider's web in the dome. Then they played at being owls in their nest. The long meadow grass gave plenty of opportunity for Stephen, Tobias, Ben, Theo, Charlie, Harry and Arthur to hide and ambush each other.
Archieved Play dairies: Spring term 06, November/December 05, October 05 , September 05 , July 05 , June 05 , May 05 , April 05 , March 05 , For the very latest see the Swainswick Explorer Blog.
"I'd like to thank you again for all your care of William and Lydia. Both of them really enjoy Swainswick Explorers. William says that he enjoys the fact that you have no television and he loves being able to build fires, dens etc. Lydia enjoys baking with Rachel and playing games with Charlotte. Fire building with Edward also seems a favourite! When I asked them if there was anything they didn't enjoy they both said it was all 'good fun!'. Parent's letter April 05
"Swainswick Explorers is the best after school and holiday club in the world, in the super world....... not in the universe 'cos they might have an after school club in Mars where they let you play with huge laser guns". Arram 9, March 05
"Dear Rachel and Edward, Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful environment for William and Matilda. They absolutely adore coming (10 out of 10 every time!) and it is more that we could ever have hoped for that we are able to leave them somewhere where they are not just safe but stimulated, inspired, appreciated and nourished. Thank you and keep up the good work!" Mother's letter December 04
When you register your child with us you'll need to fill in a child record form and sign our permission letter.