The Ark

About us

The Ark is a limited company, registered with Ofsted and has been operating since 20th April 2004. The Board of Directors are made up of volunteer parents and, though limited, all profits made are re-invested into the club. If you are interested in becoming a Director, please contact the Business Manager for more details. The Ark is a non-profit making enterprise and is entirely self-funding; we aim to keep our fees to a minimum, whilst still raising enough income to cover our running costs.

The Ark Breakfast and After School Club provides before school care for children aged 4-11 years (Reception to Year 6) and after school care for children from Reception to Year 3. After School Club is open from 3.20pm to 6.00pm Monday-Thursday and 3.20pm-5pm on a Friday . Breakfast sessions start at 7.30am until the start of school, Monday-Friday. All sessions run during term time, and serve children from St Bede C of E Primary School – where it is based.

Reception children are brought from their classrooms by the school staff at the end of the school day and brought over to The Ark room. In the mornings when the school bell rings children will be safely escorted to their classrooms internally so that we avoid the hustle and bustle of the classroom lines on the playground. Years 3 to 6 may walk to their classrooms by themselves.

The club aims to provide a safe and secure environment for children, with a relaxed and homely atmosphere. The club aims to provide a wide range of activities; incorporating outside play , craft, board games, reading, imaginary play, construction, sport and themed/seasonal activities. During their time at the club, the children will be encouraged to participate in activities of their choice and will be provided with a light snack and drink. At the breakfast session children have a healthy breakfast.

Activities

Children at The Ark can be creative by drawing, painting, junk modelling, cutting and sticking etc. They also have free flow access to the outdoors and a quiet area for individual reading, homework or relaxation. There are also opportunities for imaginary play, dressing up, construction, board games and puzzles and most of all lots of fun! Our skilled Playworkers facilitate play and are always there to join in too!

Food

Breakfast at the Ark is a healthy choice of toast, cereal, yoghurt and fruit and is served until 8am. After school we offer a light snack consisting of pitta bread, oat cakes, ham, crudites, cheese, honey, and yoghurts. Snack and breakfast time is a good time to catch up and find out what everyone has been up to. There is always water and milk to drink.

Staff

The Ark employs a Business Manager, Breakfast Leader, After School Leader, Two Deputy Leaders and part-time Play Workers. Staff are experienced and are required to undergo continual training and development. We ensure a ratio of one member of staff per eight children under 8 attending the club and recruit additional staff as required. We also have a bank of contingency staff we can call on for sickness or emergency cover. All staff and Directors are DBS checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service and approved by Ofsted.