LEAH CARDEY: Vibrant and stimulating after-school care

Lord Mayor, Councillor David Fuller, at Dream Catchers

Tasked with searching for after-school care, many parents not only find it expensive but challenging to find something which works for them.

In September I launched Dream Catchers to try and fill that void, with an after-school programme in Farlington welcoming children from Solent Infant and Junior School.

Study Buddies, based within the Scout Hut situated on Evelegh Road, offers a vibrant and stimulating after-school experience for the children who attend.

This Ofsted-registered childcare service is based around homework support and reading, with space to play and relax after the school day.

Throughout the year, Dream Catchers will not only be running their term time after-school sessions, but will also be providing half-term and summer holiday playschemes for children all over Portsmouth.

This October half-term exploded with spooky-themed fun for five days for children who required childcare during the school break.

The week was a huge success and we managed to lay on a huge range of activities for all the children who attended.

They enjoyed taking part in our planned activities, such as den-building, science experiments, cookery and art and crafts.

They all loved the entertainment, shows, story-tellers and party sessions.

We celebrated the end of the holiday club by holding a huge disco with Tony Spaghetti and a fancy dress competition.

What made it very special was having the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor David Fuller, judging the outfits. The children were over the moon.

The winner was Rudy Claffey, who was dressed as a scary, but cute, clown.

Cllr Fuller said he was very impressed with the effort that was put into the plays cheme and how much fun the children, and staff, had.

He said choosing one winner was so difficult as all of the children looked brilliant.

Now October half-term is over we are planning our Christmas holiday playscheme with lots of amazing sessions.

For more information or to book your child’s place, please check out Dream Catchers’ Facebook page or go to Dream Catchers’ website at dreamcatchers-childcare.com.

Leah Cardey is the founder of Dream Catchers after-school play clubs