Does this after-school club sound a bit odd to you- long (sorry)

[Aimsmum]

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It sounds wrong that you cannot visit the club, I wouldn't send a child of mine of that age anywhere that I hadn't visited.

Once the fire safety issue is resolved, will the club be held in her school?

If so, could she have a childminder for the period until the club starts in her school?

Or would it be better for her to go full day in the school? How old is she?

Sounds strange to me. I'd go along and check it out. Why did they say it was only for a few months?

I think it sounds strange that they failed the fire safety check for an afterschool club, but not for the normal nursery

I wouldn't be at all comfortable with this. Don't think it's necessarily dodgy, but definitely ill thought out.

anywhere that says i can't visit and see the staff doing their job of looking after children sounds way dodgy to me. and are they going to pay for the taxis? i would be looking for alternatives if i were you.

agree; don't think it's dodgy but do think it sounds badly organised. IMO anywhere that doesn't encourage you to meet the staff that will be looking after your children, should be avoided.

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Poor you Aimsmum. I think your idea of just turning up is a good one. I am gobsmacked that they expect a 4 year old to just get in a taxi with someone they don't know.

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aimsmum... agree with the others that it is a very ill thought out plan.
do you know any other mums with children doing the after school club? (i know you said you met one of them)
would it be possible to ensure that your dd goes with this little boy (or another friend) so that she isn't on her own.
obviously i think you're doing the right thing by turning up on thursday and checking it all out. but if you are happy with it then perhaps you could arrrange for her to go with another child each time?

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yeah it's far from ideal isn't it, but at least if she knew a few other people going, who could be in the taxi with her it wouldn't be quite so bad.

i can't believe that they would be so disorganised!

I think that sounds good Aimsmum. Definitely try and speak to some other mums and also maybe worth trying to speak to the headteacher about the afterschool club i.e. how long have this particular company been providing this service?, what kind of feedback have they had from other parents? etc If you explain the situation and your concerns I don't see how anyone can fail to understand.

good luck, let us know how you get on at the visit.

no way would I encourage any child to go with a stranger (man or woman) anywhere. At least if she remains on the school premises you can at least explain that although she doesnt yet "know" them its ok because she's not leaving school premises (or something like that).

I would be inclined to either take unpaid leave until she's there full time and care can be arranged or go see some childminders in your area.

also they should be LEA registered I think so speak to the local COuncil.

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Yes, I don't think it's necessarily that they have something to hide but that it seems to be a bit of a shambles (which is equally as worrying).

Is a taxi driver insured to carry that many passengers? Will the accompanying teacher ensure they are all buckled in etc?

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