“A nurturing world designed to inspire every child within it”
We focus on developing the lives of the future generation by recruiting passionate, talented, and ambitious individuals that work together as one towards a shared vision of creating a positive world for children to flourish within. School of Play is a home away from home, a place where children can feel safe, supported and have fun all at the same time.
“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your core values are” – Roy Disney
Our Core Values are an unwavering guide to fulfilling our goals and consistently going above and beyond for everyone within our community. These values are intimately connected to the vision and mission of our company and are an important foundational element from which employee behaviour and actions will follow. We have built a supportive, fun, and creative family environment within our team and feel lucky to be able to watch that become apparent in the developing relationships within our settings. Whether you are an original member of the School of Play family, or you are coming to join us for the first time, we are excited to share our goals and grow as a team with you by our side!
We believe in creativity and the great impact it can have on a child’s enjoyment regarding their learning and development. That is why at School of Play, we challenge convention to spark the children’s innovation. Our team regularly discusses new and unique ideas that will enhance their childcare methods. Therefore, the children will progress and develop positively within our Breakfast, After School and Holiday clubs. Providing a creative environment and innovating their fantastic and inspired ideas is a key to initiating that first step towards developing something amazing!
“It’s never crowded along the extra mile”
We believe it is our duty to go the extra mile for everyone within our community. Our company caters to each child’s preferences to ensure they are constantly engaged within our care and we pride ourselves on the unique activities we offer at no extra cost to our parents. We run various interactive shows, workshops, and events throughout the school year; these have previously included creepy crawly shows, mad science, magic, lacrosse, yoga, ultimate frisbee, American football, fencing, plus many more. It is also important to note that School of Play is a technology-free zone, which we believe creates a social environment that the children will love and thrive in.
“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower itself”
We know that children are the future; they will be the change-makers, future leaders and the key to a better and brighter world. Sometimes all a child needs is an opportunity and we aim to provide that for them with continued support. Finding purpose and building a vision for each child is something of great importance to us and working with them to fulfil their potential is one of the most gratifying parts of our job. Not only does this allow us to get to know the children as individuals, but it also assists in preparing them for what might lay ahead, in their school and professional lives.
“Time spent playing with children is never time wasted”
Above anything else, we want each child to have fun at our clubs. We know that learning through play has to be engaging, exciting and enjoyable to ensure that every child looks forward to spending their time with us. By offering a range of unique and captivating workshops, activities and interactive shows, we aim to spark the children’s imagination allowing a short escape from schoolwork to have FUN, FUN, FUN!
“One kind word can change someone’s entire day”
As humans, our surroundings have a great deal of influence over us. They can have a psychological impact on our moods, attitudes, and behaviours. At School of Play, we aim to provide an environment where children can have fun together but also feel safe and secure. Encouraging social interaction that develops into friendships is something we believe is key to creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Through friendships, children develop confidence, and this confidence can ultimately transpire into other areas of their lives, inside and outside of school. Our staff focus a great deal on the social aspect of our clubs by always keeping well informed about the children’s individual interactions. It is paramount to us that every child stays involved and feels a part of our family!
“Put people first, and everything else takes care of itself in so many ways.”
Our dynamic team provides the perfect blend of enthusiasm, experience, skill and personality to ensure every child in our care enjoys their experience. All of our employees hold an up-to-date enhanced DBS certificate and undergo a stringent interview and training process that evaluates their character and mindset. Between them, they have over 40 years of experience working in various childcare settings, including nurseries, playgroups, and other out of school clubs. We believe a strong team enables us to deliver a consistently high level of service day in day out.
“A healthy outside starts from the inside.”
Our company supports a balanced and healthy lifestyle. We believe fuelling children with the right nutrition will keep them bursting with energy throughout the day. We offer nutritious snacks that the children will love alongside encouraging sports and outdoor play. Keeping active is just as important as the food we fuel our body with, so engaging the children in exciting physical activity is key.
Legally we are required to have at least one paediatric first aid trained member of staff at each of our settings, but here at School of Play, we don’t take any chances. What if the designated first aider was at the toilet or they can’t get there quick enough? That’s why 100% of our staff are paediatric first aid trained.
We are also legally required to update their skills every three years, but we go beyond that and ensure our team take a two-day renewal every two years. Anyone new to our team that has not taken a course within the last 2 years will be required to attend a 2-day course within the first month of their employment.
When it comes to any of our training, we only use the best! The company responsible for providing all our team with ‘life-saving, quality first aid training’ is MCR First Aid Training. They are a 5-star rated company that provides award-winning first aid training and safeguarding children courses.
“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all”
We are a fully Ofsted registered wraparound childcare provider, and along with our sister brand School of Sport, we have built the trust of hundreds of parents over the last 4 years.
“Our 4 year old has been going to after school club since September and he absolutely loves it! He settled in so quickly and always comes out with a smile on his face. The activities have been varied.. science shows, treasure hunts, crafts and games and he’s looking forward to the upcoming creepy-crawly show! The staff are brilliant at what they do! Whenever we come to pick him up, it’s always ‘too soon’ which says all you need to know about how much fun he’s having! Everyone is so enthusiastic, encouraging and friendly and they often go out of their way to say hello, even on the days he’s not attending. This seems a small thing but it makes a huge difference and really gives a sense of belonging, which during this strange time is so needed. Any queries we’ve had have always been responded to really quickly and everyone is so helpful. We couldn’t ask for more and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend!”
– Stephanie (Google Review)
Tapestry builds a very special record of your child’s experiences, development and learning journey through early years and primary education. Using photos, videos and diary entries, our staff, along with parents, can weave the story of a child and how they are growing and developing. The Tapestry platform then works seamlessly to enable these memories to be kept as a permanent record of each child’s unique journey.
All information held in the platform is stored securely and can be downloaded and shared as required. Parents are able to view online their child’s progress and how much fun they’re having, whilst also uploading their own comments and media. This service comes at no extra cost to our parents, if you wish to set up an account for your child at Urmston Primary School, simply email our setting manager, and she will be happy to get you started katy@schoolofplay.org.uk
