FAQs

FAMILY 1ST & OUR TEAMS

Is Family 1st Ofsted registered?

Yes, Family 1st register all our Clubs with Ofsted. We follow Ofsted regulations and guidelines to offer the highest standard of care possible. These regulations help raise the quality of care and ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.

Does Family 1st work to an adult to child ratio?

At Family 1st, we follow Ofsted guidelines regarding ratios, operating a strict 1:8 ratio of adults to children for children aged four to seven. For eight year olds and over we aim for a 1:12 ratio.

Can you tell me about the staff who will work in the Clubs?

Family 1st workers are enthusiastic, inspiring and passionate individuals who are DBS checked to Enhanced Level and hold qualifications/have extensive experience in Playwork/Childcare. There is a Paediatric First Aid trained member of staff on site at all times. Staff receive ongoing training in various aspects of child supervision and care, including behaviour management, child protection and activity delivery.


PAYMENT OPTIONS & CHILDCARE VOUCHERS

How do I pay?

By BACS & Standing Orders (our account details are available on invoices)

Childcare Vouchers: we accept all types of childcare vouchers. 

What help is available to pay for my childcare with Family 1st?

Family 1st are an Ofsted registered childcare provider; you therefore may be able to subsidise the cost of using a Family 1st Ofsted registered club through one of the following:

  • Childcare Vouchers - Childcare Vouchers allow employers to help their employees with the cost of childcare. Childcare Vouchers are exempt from National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and Income Tax for employees up to the value of £55 per week, which can mean savings of over £2000 a year for a couple who are both working. Family 1st accept all childcare vouchers. Al employers are able to run a childcare voucher scheme (they make savings too). Please speak to your employer for details on this.


TERMTIME CLUB FAQs

Does my child need to bring anything with them?

No. Please ensure any items brought to Family 1st clubs are clearly labelled. Please ensure children do not bring any valuable toys or belongings with them as we cannot be held responsible if they go missing.

What Breakfast is available to my child?

A variety of cereal, fruit and toast with spreads will be on offer each morning, Breakfast is optional.

What is the booking deadline for Breakfast Club sessions?

You can book up to the day before as long as there is availability and the session has been confirmed by email or over the phone.

Will Family 1st Clubs take my child to their class?

For onsite session a staff member will take the KS1 children to their classroom to be handed over to a member of school staff and the KS2 children will go to their classroom themselves. For off site, the children are taken to their school classroom and handed over to a member of staff.

How will my child get to the After School Club?

For onsite, children in KS1 will be collected from their class and escorted directly to the club by a staff member. For children in KS2 and above, they can make their own way direct to the club. For children based off site, a Family 1st staff member will collect your child from a pre-defined meeting point.

Does Family 1st Club provide Food?

Yes, a healthy and nutritious meal is provided during teatime and drinking water will always be available.

What should my child bring?

We would suggest packing for the weather and a change of clothes that you don't mind getting messy due to our outdoor play philosophy and art & craft activities. Please ensure all items brought to an Family 1st Club are clearly labelled. Please ensure children do not bring any valuable toys or belongings with them as Family 1st cannot be held responsible if they go missing.

Can my child also attend an extra-curricular club after school?

Yes your child can attend a school run or extra-curricular club after school.. Please notify Family 1st Club in advance if your child is attending an extra-curricular club and any arrangements made. A member of staff will collect the children after their extra-curricular activities.

How do I collect my child and can I pick them up at any time?

Parents/carers can collect from the after school club at any time from school finish until 6pm. All children must be signed out by 6pm. Late Fees of £5.00 for the first ten minutes and £1.00 per minute after this are applied for late collections. Please call us if your child will be collected late.

What happens if someone else needs to pick up my child?

Only an authorised adult for whom we hold details for including our password can pick up your child.

Is there a booking deadline for after school club sessions?

You can book up to the day before as long as there is availability and the session has been confirmed by email or over the phone.

My child is going to be absent, I need to change/cancel a session or I need to terminate my sessions. what should I do?

Please let us know in advance if your child/ren will not be attending. Two weeks notice is required for cancellation of Adhoc session or you will still be charged. A month's notice is require for termination of contract changes in attendance or you can pay a month in absentia. If your child is ill the session can't be refunded.

What if my child requires medication whilst at the club?

Family 1st can only administer prescribed medication. Please ensure you hand in any medication required to the Club Manager with a Permission to Administer Medicine form. If your child requires regular medication, we recommend that you supply the Club with extra medication which can be stored to avoid regular transfer.

What happens on the last day of term if school finishes early?

Please let us know in advance so we can accomate you.

HOLIDAY CLUB FAQs

What time do you open in the morning?

We open from 8am to 6pm.

What should my child bring?

We would suggest packing for the weather and a change of clothes that you don't mind getting messy due to our outdoor play philosophy and art & craft activities. Please ensure all items brought to an Family 1st Club are clearly labelled. Please ensure children do not bring any valuable toys or belongings with them as Family 1st cannot be held responsible if they go missing.

What Breakfast is available to my child?

A variety of cereal, fruit and toast with spreads will be on offer each morning, Breakfast is optional.

Does Family 1st provide lunch?

No. Please ensure you child/ren come to the session with a packed lunch (we are a nut free environment). Tea and snacks is provied by us.

What is the booking deadline for Holiday Club sessions?

You can book up to the day before as long as there is availability and the session has been confirmed by email or over the phone.

How do I collect my child and can I pick them up at any time?

Parents/carers can collect from the Holiday club at any time, session finishes at 6pm. All children must be signed out by 6pm. Late Fees of £5.00 for the first ten minutes and £1.00 per minute after this are applied for late collections. Please call us if your child will be collected late.

What happens if someone else needs to pick up my child?

Only an authorised adult for whom we hold details for including our password can pick up your child.

My child is going to be absent, I need to change/cancel a session or I need to terminate my sessions. what should I do?

Please let us know in advance if your child/ren will not be attending. Two weeks notice is required for changes and cancellation. A month's notice is require for termination. If your child is ill the session can't be refunded.

What if my child requires medication whilst at the club?

Family 1st can only administer prescribed medication. Please ensure you hand in any medication required to the Club Manager with a Permission to Administer Medicine form. If your child requires regular medication, we recommend that you supply the Club with extra medication which can be stored to avoid regular transfer.