history
Schools Out Childcare was founded by Margaret in 1993. Here she shares a bit of the history of Schools Out.
Schools Out has had several 'homes' over the years! We were originally based in St Charles old Church Hall which used to be on Salters Road (some luxury flats are now situated on that site).
We have also been based in St. Charles Old School on Alwinton Terrace and a portacabin in the grounds of Gosforth West Middle School.
Many of the children attending the club were Archibald First School pupils so they gave the go ahead for us to move into our current home in 2002 and we have been really happy here ever since!
I have always loved running the club and I have very fond memories of all of the children who have attended over the years!
our mission statement
Schools Out Childcare aims to provide a quality, safe, secure and stimulating environment for children aged from three to nine years, which is fully inclusive and values their race, language, gender, age, disability, culture, class and religion.
We will ensure the development of a safe provision, with a varied activity programme, qualified and experienced staff, an equal opportunities environment, reflecting the club's values and ethos.
Aims
Schools Out Childcare aims to:
- Provide a happy, safe, warm and stimulating environment to enable all our children to play, learn and develop freely
- Help children to develop responsibility for themselves and their actions and to become competent, confident, independent and co-operative individuals
- Encourage children to have a positive attitude and respect for themselves and other people
- Promote a positive relationship with parents and carers and work in partnership with them to provide high quality play and care for their children
- Offer inclusive services that are accessible to all children in the community
- Undergo regular monitoring and evaluation of our services to ensure that the club continues to meet the needs of the children and parents/carers.
Objectives
Schools Out Childcare aims to achieve these objectives by the following:
- Listening to the children and the parents/carers and responding to their views and concerns
- Keeping parents/carers informed of our policies and procedures, including opening times, fees and programmes of activities
- Sharing and discussing their child’s achievements, experiences, progress and friendships, along with any difficulties that may arise
- Providing care and activities that put the needs and safety of the children first
- Organising a weekly programme of activities that is interesting, educational, stimulating and fun
- Ensuring that activities on offer promote each childs’ social, physical, moral and intellectual development
- Providing access to a variety of facilities and equipment under safe and supervised conditions
- Ensuring that all staff have been police checked and cleared by Ofsted prior to commencing work at the club
- Ensuring that the staff team are experienced, well trained and properly supported
- Making sure that our services meet the conditions of the Children’s Act 2014 and that all other relevant childcare legislation is adhered to
- Providing an environment where no child is bullied or suffers discrimination in any form
- Remembering that each child is different and every child matters
meet the team
margaret
Owner/Manager
Margaret opened the after school club in September 1993.
Dip. of H.E. in playwork
Qualified Playwork trainer
BA (Hons) Business Studies
"I like going to the theatre, reading, spending time with my family, going out for meals, watching TV, going for cups of coffee and meeting up with friends."
chimaine
Assistant Playleader
Chimaine has worked at the club since October 2018.
BA (Hons) Textiles and
Surface design
Level 2 Cerificate for the Children & Young People's Workforce
Level 2 award Playwork
Level 2 award babysitting
Level 2 NCFE volunteering
"I enjoy spending my free time painting and drawing. I also enjoy taking long walks and spending as much time outside as possible."
Sheren
Playworker
Sheren has worked at the club since September 2015.
Level 3 Community Interpreting
Level 1&2 Text Processing Business Professional.
L 1 & 2 Teaching Assistant
IELTS English Language
"I like learning any new skills. I like gardening and listening to music."
Nancy
Playworker
Nancy has worked at the club since April 2025.
B.A Psychology & Communication
Pre-school Teacher
High School Teacher
"I enjoy reading, music, watching movies and photography."
Dominic
Playleader
Dominic has worked at the club since October 2004.
NVQ Level 3 Children's Care, Learning and Development
Level 3 Planning Inclusive Play
“I enjoy playing board games, listening to music, reading and drinking coffee!"
kyle
Playworker
Kyle has worked at the club since September 2017.
BTEC Level 3 Dipolma in Supporting Children & Young People
BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
"I enjoy movies and watching football. I also enjoy listening to
music."
Takwa
Playworker
Takwa has worked at the club since September 2024.
Cache level 1 Health , Social Care & Children's & Young People's Setings
Cache level 2 Understanding Children & Young People's Mental Health
Cache level 2 Support Work in Schools & Colleges
"I like drawing and colouring-in, as well as enjoying arts and crafts with the children."
julie
Assistant Playleader
Julie has worked at the club since May 1998.
NVQ Level 3 Children's
Care, Learning and
Development
NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Childcare and Education
"I enjoy walking, drawing and painting, wildlife and nature, metal detecting, history, gardening & DIY, listening to music and riding my motorbike."
Alexandra
Content Editor
Alexandra has worked at
the club since September 2004. She currently works from home updating policies, building the website and creating the monthly newsletter.
BA Hons in Archaeology (2.1)
BA Hons in Playwork and
Professional Development (2.1)
British Sign Language (level 2)
"I enjoy doing escape
rooms with my friends, buying vintage clothes and learning Spanish. I also look after my cat Buffy, who is the Club Mascot and my daughter Dolores.
Elisha
Playworker
Elisha has worked at the club since January 2026.
Has experience working as a Teaching Assistant
"I enjoy going on long walks and spending time with my friends. I also like to go on holidays to new places."
our mascot
Buffy the Cat is our club mascot! She lives with our Content Editor Alexandra, and her adventures appear each month in the newsletter.
Buffy is part Maine Coon and is very mischievous. She's an indoor cat but explores the garden whilst wearing her harness!
our charity donations
Through the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) we have adopted an Amur Leopard, a Polar Bear and a Snow Leopard. The money goes towards fighting against the extinction of these rare and beautiful animals.
We also sponsor a cat garden in Barcelona, where our Content Editor, Alexandra, used to volunteer! Alexandra, Dominic and Margaret have all met the cats and have seen the amazing work done by the charity to rescue cats from a hard life on the streets. The cats we have adopted are Biondo and Kinder.