Our wrap-around care provision supports families who need flexible childcare before or after the school day. Prep pupils can access supervised care, complete homework and participate in activities, giving parents peace of mind and pupils more time with friends.
Wrap-around care for prep pupils differs from pre-prep provision as older children have different needs and timetables. Day pupils in Years 3 – 5 can finish at either 16.30 or 6.00pm/6.30pm depending on co-curricular and homework commitments. Day pupils in Years 6 – 8 typically finish after prep (homework) and activities at 6.00pm/6.30pm.
This extended day allows pupils to complete homework at school under supervision, participate in co-curricular activities and spend additional time with friends without the constraints of pick-up schedules.
Prep (homework) takes place in designated study areas under teacher supervision. Pupils work independently on assigned tasks with support available if needed. The quiet, focused environment helps pupils develop good study habits and complete work efficiently.
For Years 3 – 6, pupils will complete prep in a prep workbook for each subject. Instructions for each task will be within the prep book. In the summer term of Year 6, the children may transition to using their personal devices for prep at the discretion of the phase leader.
For Years 7 & 8, careful consideration is given to the provision of prep in the senior years of the school ensuring there is a balance of opportunities for extended study, independent project work and revision of current learning. Pupils are supported in striking an effective equilibrium of additional study and exploration of personal interests without unnecessary pressure. As such the children will be set four preps per week, due the following week and pupils are supported in managing deadlines effectively. Pupils can complete prep in school or at home. Each prep task should take a maximum of 50 minutes (Year 7) or 60 minutes (Year 8).
Subject teachers are often available during or immediately after prep sessions if pupils need clarification or additional help. This immediate access to support means pupils do not struggle alone with difficult concepts and can move forward confidently with their learning.
Day pupils can arrive from 7.15am onwards for breakfast and supervision before registration at 8.10am. The breakfast club provides a calm start to the day with nutritious food options including cereals, toast, fruit, yoghurt and hot items. Pupils can socialize with friends, complete any unfinished homework or simply relax before lessons begin. There will be an extra charge for day pupils if they attend breakfast club.
Some activities, particularly sports training, take place early in the morning. Our swimming academy, for example, runs sessions from 6.45am for competitive swimmers. Day pupils participating in early activities can arrive for these and then have breakfast before lessons.
Our extended day provision recognizes that modern families often need flexibility. Parents can drop children early and collect them late without guilt, knowing their children are safe, supervised, and productively occupied. The school essentially provides childcare from 7.15am – 6.30, a significant support for working families.
When pupils have co-curricular activities after lessons, they are escorted by staff and supervised throughout. After activities finish, pupils either complete prep or wait in supervised areas until collection. Parents need only one pick-up time rather than collecting and returning for different activities.
Families can book regular patterns (for example, staying until 6.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday) or use wrap-around care occasionally when needed. For occasional use, advance notice is appreciated but not always essential. A quick phone call or email confirms your child will be staying.
| Service | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast club | 7.15am-8.10am | £10 per session |
| After-school care (including prep) | 3.30pm-6.00pm | Included for Years 6 – 8; £12 per session for Years 3 – 5 |
| Supper | 6.00pm – 6.30pm | £8 per session |
Day pupils can experience boarding life through flexible and occasional boarding options. This might be a single night, a full weekend, or longer periods. Weekend boarding is particularly popular when parents travel for work or during busy family periods.
Weekend boarding costs vary depending on duration. An evening stay (including supper and breakfast) costs approximately £96 (inc VAT). Please enquire for weekend boarding costs (Friday evening to Sunday evening) as each external activity / adventure on Sunday incurs different charges. These rates will include all meals.
Pupils participating in occasional boarding join the full boarding community for meals, activities and weekend trips. Staff ensure they are welcomed and included. Many day pupils who try occasional boarding discover they love it and increase their boarding frequency. Regular boarders (even if it one night a week) always have their own regular bed and space.
Yes, siblings in both pre-prep and prep can use wrap-around care, though they will be supervised in age appropriate groups. This allows families with children in different year groups to have consistent drop-off and pick up times. We can facilitate communication between siblings during care times if families wish.
We maintain excellent staff-to-pupil ratios during wrap-around care. For prep pupils, we typically have one staff member for every 12 to 15 pupils, often exceeding this ratio to ensure appropriate supervision and support. All staff are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding.
Yes, absolutely. Some families use full wrap-around care daily with pupils arriving at 7.15am and leaving at 6.30pm. We ensure pupils have appropriate breaks, outdoor time and rest periods throughout these longer days. Pupils generally cope well with extended days when they have interesting activities and time with friends.
To discuss your family’s wrap-around care needs or to arrange regular booking patterns, please contact the school office at office@windlesham.com or call +44 (0)1903 874700. We are happy to arrange trial periods so families and pupils can determine what works best for them.
