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Original poster

To get ds to do after school clubs when I’m at home?

112 replies

kpopdemonhunterz · 05/01/2026 19:14

Ds is reception and honestly I find the after school slot (330-630 ish) a real slog, especially in winter.

School have got wraparound which I don’t technically need but was wondering about signing him up anyway a couple of times a week. Or is that mean?

OP posts:
ForgettableUsernom · 05/01/2026 19:23

If you work all day and need the time to breathe, I totally get it. I do similar with mine. I work till 3 but they do ASC one day a week so I can do groceries or just have some time to myself.

If you aren't working in the day, I don't really get it tbh, but I know people who don't work and have nannies so 🤷

Emsie1987 · 05/01/2026 19:23

Our afterschool allows 3:15 to 5pm and then 5pm to 6pm. Could you put him in for an hour only?

Why are you finding the after school bit challenging?

In reception I was on maternity leave with my youngest. After school it was really hard he was emotional, hyper and some times angry. I think this was becoming overwhelmed at school.

Could you find other clubs to do like swimming, beavers, martial arts, football?

Original poster
kpopdemonhunterz · 05/01/2026 19:23

CarlaLemarchant · 05/01/2026 19:21

My kids had to do wrap around care 4 days a week, the entire time they were at primary.
They were fine, had friends there, nothing really bad to say about it but it’s a long day for them, especially reception age and they probably would have preferred to come home. I probably wouldn’t choose to put them in twice a week if I didn’t have to but plenty will say go for it.
Do you work? What will you be doing whilst he was at school til 6.30?

It isn’t until 630 - that’s a late one. It’s until 430.

One club is based around a sport he likes and one is Lego which he also likes (and I am rubbish at!)

OP posts:
Grumblies · 05/01/2026 19:22

If you'll easily get a place then I don't see why not for a few days a week. It's a warm place for him to chill out with his friends after school for a couple of hours.

CarlaLemarchant · 05/01/2026 19:21

My kids had to do wrap around care 4 days a week, the entire time they were at primary.
They were fine, had friends there, nothing really bad to say about it but it’s a long day for them, especially reception age and they probably would have preferred to come home. I probably wouldn’t choose to put them in twice a week if I didn’t have to but plenty will say go for it.
Do you work? What will you be doing whilst he was at school til 6.30?

Original poster
kpopdemonhunterz · 05/01/2026 19:20

whatsupwithmyhead · 05/01/2026 19:19

Are you WFH or not, it’s not clear from your post?

I don’t WFH.

OP posts:
Original poster
kpopdemonhunterz · 05/01/2026 19:20

ILoveYouJefferyS · 05/01/2026 19:18

Mean.. if you don't need to.. plan things to do with him.
Go to the library after school or the swimming baths or museum.. in the summer go to the park etc. Does he miss you or you him at school?

Summer isn’t too much of a problem. It’s this time of year, it was challenging before the Christmas holidays as it was. The nearest library is a twenty minute drive and I have a younger child (plus despite loving books library visits have never been hugely enjoyable for anyone!)

OP posts:
whatsupwithmyhead · 05/01/2026 19:19

Are you WFH or not, it’s not clear from your post?

Original poster
kpopdemonhunterz · 05/01/2026 19:19

No, that’s what I mean: I don’t actually need it from a work point of view, it’s more for exercise / learning new skills / social side.

OP posts:
ILoveYouJefferyS · 05/01/2026 19:18

Mean.. if you don't need to.. plan things to do with him.
Go to the library after school or the swimming baths or museum.. in the summer go to the park etc. Does he miss you or you him at school?

Mrsnothingthanks · 05/01/2026 19:18

@kpopdemonhunterz I am both a primary teacher/tutor and a mum of a 5 yo little one (plus two much older teenagers).
I personally think the school day is more than long enough already for Reception, but understand if of course you have to use after school childcare because you work?

bestdate · 05/01/2026 19:15

I did clubs/after school care from year 1 onwards

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