childcare_COVID

YMCA Childcare supporting families of key workers during COVID-19

With many primary schools now re-opening for some children, YMCA Childcare has been able to relaunch its after-school club at Middleton Primary School in Wollaton.

childcare_covid_signsOur team have been working closely with headteachers and parents to develop a number of safety guidelines to make sure the children that use the service are able to stay safe and happy while they’re with us.

Despite the new safety measures, YMCA Childcare has still been embracing fun and games, STEAM learning and experiential activities to support children to become inquisitive, caring and confident individuals.

One example is the introduction of personal caddies! At the after-school club, children are each given their own caddy that’s bursting with pens, pencils and art equipment. By having their own equipment, children can play and learn freely, engaging in group activities, whilst still practicing positive hygiene and maintaining social distancing.

Responding to community needs

Before relaunching the service, YMCA engaged families across Nottingham in a consultation to understand the need for childcare services during this period of partial lockdown due to COVID-19.

The results of our consultation found that there was a demand within the community for after-school support. Working families, particularly where parents are working in health and social care, require after-school childcare to balance work and family life at this difficult time.

Our team are pleased to be able to offer such vital support for families right now, and all departments of our charity are working hard to increase the amount of support we offer as safely as possible.

childcare_social_distancing_markersYMCA Childcare from September 2020

For now, YMCA Childcare is only operating at Middleton Primary School, but we plan to be up and running at all sites in September 2020.

If your child attends or will be starting one of these schools, they’re able to attend our fantastic STEAM learning childcare clubs.

  • Djanogly Northgate Academy
  • Djanogly Sherwood Academy
  • Edgewood Primary and Nursery School
  • John Hunt Primary School (Newark)
  • Middleton Primary and Nursery School
  • St Peter’s Church of England Academy (Mansfield)
  • Ambleside Primary School (hosted at YMCA Youth and Community Centre)
  • Whitemoor Academy (hosted at YMCA Youth and Community Centre)

Keep an eye on our website, as bookings for September 2020 will be announced soon!

Extra support and resources

Talking to children about COVID-19

For young children especially, all the changes that have been made because of coronavirus can be scary or confusing. If you are looking ways to explain what’s happening to your family, these resources give some excellent age-appropriate advice to support you:

childcare-activity-blog-headerActivities to do at home

It’s hard keeping children entertained and having fun while they’re off school! To support our childcare families to keep busy, the YMCA team have created a range of fun activities that celebrate STEAM learning and play that are easy to do at home.

From making music to exploring nature, you can find eight fun-packed activity sheets here.

 

Download activity packs