At Bracken Lane Primary Academy we provide high-quality wraparound childcare through our breakfast and after-school clubs – early birds and night owls. These clubs give children a safe, welcoming and engaging space at the beginning and end of the school day, while supporting busy families with flexible and affordable childcare. Both early birds and night owls is for all children who attend the academy.
Early birds breakfast club
Our Early Birds breakfast club runs daily from 7.30 am until the start of the academy day. Children enjoy a variety of fun activities or quieter options to relax with friends, helping them start the school day positively. A healthy breakfast is included for children who arrive before 8.15am and includes a choice of cereal and milk, toast, fruit, diluted fruit squash, and water.
Charge: from £3.50 per child. Children eligible for free school meals can attend early birds at no charge.
Night owls after-school club
Our Night Owls after-school club takes place every weekday from the end of the school day until 5.30pm. Children are given a nutritious snack, included in the cost, and can take part in a wide range of activities that encourage creativity, wellbeing, and social skills.
Sessions and charges:
- End of school day – 4.30pm: £4.00 per child.
- 4.30 – 5.30pm: £2.00 per child.
- Total cost for the full session (end of school – 5.30pm): £6.00 per child.
Activities at Night Owls
Children can take part in a wide range of activities, including quieter options for those who want to relax. Older children are also encouraged to complete their homework while at night owls.
Creative activities
Paper crafts
Clay
Salt dough / play dough
Celebration cards
Box modelling
Painting
Biscuit decorating
Making snacks
Games and movement
Ten pin bowling
Boccia
Target games
Kareoke
Go Noodle (big screen)
Joe Wicks (big screen)
Topic board activities
Board games
Construction
Relaxation and technology
Reading
Themed colouring
Mindfulness art
Jigsaws
Yoga
Film night
iPads
Food and drink
Children enjoy a rotating two-week snack menu, always served with fruit.
Week A
Monday: Beans on toast
Tuesday: Salad selection
Wednesday: Crumpets
Thursday: Hot cross buns or fruit loaf
Friday: Yoghurt and fruit
Week B
Monday: Yoghurt and fruit
Tuesday: Crumpets
Wednesday: Beans on toast or toast
Thursday: Salad selection
Friday: Bagels
Daily Timetable
| Time | Activity |
| 3.30 – 3.45pm | Register, coats away, circle time game |
| 3.45 – 3.55pm | Movement games |
| 3.55 – 4.00pm | Take 5 relaxation |
| 4.00 – 4.15pm | Snack |
| 4.15 – 4.35pm | First activity |
| 4.35 – 4.55pm | Second activity |
| 4.55 – 5.00pm | Drinks |
| 5.00 – 5.30pm | Table-top activities (games, colouring etc) |
Booking and Payments
All bookings and payment for early birds and night owls must be made in advance through ParentPay.
We will always try to accommodate ad-hoc or last-minute bookings whenever possible; however, due to statutory staffing requirements, this cannot always be guaranteed.
- Bookings can be made up to six weeks in advance.
- We recommend booking and paying at least one week ahead, as bookings close two days before your chosen date.
- Any unexpected or additional sessions agreed by the academy must be paid for at the time of booking.
- Cancellations require at least 48 hours’ notice for a refund.
- Late collections from either night owls sessions will incur a £20 fine.
- We will give one month’s notice, in writing to parents, of any changes in charges.
Behaviour and responsibilities
Children attending early birds and night owls are expected to follow the same Bracken Lane behaviour values as they do during the school day. Staff will provide reminders where needed and speak with parents if behaviour does not meet expectations. Continued difficulties may result in a child being unable to attend the club.
Children also take part in tidying and caring for their environment. This includes cleaning tables, washing up, using the dustpan and brush, and cleaning art equipment. These small tasks encourage independence and responsibility.
