As an FYI Hornsby breakfast club starts at 7:30am and supper club ends at 6pm.

I really wouldn’t underestimate the level of exhaustion that first term of reception. Even for children used to a long day it’s really overwhelming.

Many schools (including state) offer a staggered start for that first term so it’s worth asking about how that will work. From what I recall Hornsby was one of the quickest to go to a full day.

I agree for full time working parents childcare is really hard but it’s a puzzle I think all local schools are working hard to help solve while balancing the needs for of both parents, kids and their staff. Between my youngest and oldest it’s got better as the norm is that both parents will be working.

Good luck!

We are completely flummoxed right now on how working parents manage this, I guess we will figure as we go along! Thanks for taking out the time and responding :)

Working parents with high profile jobs which require long hours have either an after school nanny or they don’t choose Hornsby House. There are other schools with wrap around care 7.30am - 6.30pm and term holidays clubs that cater better for these types of parents who do not also want a nanny.

I'm a parent to 3 children at Hornsby so thought it may be helpful to add to the above.

The School offers after school clubs finishing at 4:30 and 5:15 on most days after school. Lots of these (particularly the ones that finish at 4:30) are free and run by teachers in the school. For instance construction club (lego etc.), board games, sports clubs. Then there are are few you pay extra for e.g. ballet, tennis, golf where an external provider comes in.  I think you are limited to 2 'free' clubs a week but as many of the ones you pay for that you want. 

Then there is Breakfast club, Early Birds pre school and after school Owls (finish at 5:15) and Supper Club (not sure when this finishes). These are extra and if you talk to the office they will tell you how much. But they can be booked ad hoc (when space) or full the whole term. 

(It is worth baring in mind that for the first half term for Reception historically there have been no clubs, to allow the children to settle into the school. However some reception children will start Owls etc when they move to full days which I think is the 2/3rd week of term.)

Most working parents do a combination of school clubs and owls. Or use an after school nanny /childminder / students to take their kids home.  The school day starts at 8am which means most people can drop their kids off and then jump on the tube / train to get to where they need to be. 

In the school holidays people do a mixture of taking some time off work, Arty Party, Strings and various other holiday camps. Parents also do child swaps e.g. I'll take your Monday, Tuesday and you take mine Thursday and Friday.

The majority of parents both work so your not alone in trying to work out how to cover the holidays and its a big topic of chat when people try to make sure their kids are with some of their friends.

Re Hornsby its a lovely school. All my kids are very happy and if you can I would send your child there, they hit all the right notes academically but the Drama, Music etc. is exceptional. The staff at also lovely.

Happy to answer any more questions you have.

Amazing. It’s a lovely, lovely school. So supportive, caring and fun. Our children love it there - they tell us regularly how much they love school. We are so pleased we chose Hornsby.

Ramaboo wrote: ↑Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:42 pm Hi 
Very loosely I would say most holiday clubs around here will be approx £200 - £250 for a five day week. BUT almost none are proper full days, especially not for 3/4 year olds. you will need to be prepared to maybe add in a little ££ for some childcare a couple of afternoons to cover from 2/3pm - 5/6pm whilst you finish work. (You really want to encourage other friends to do the same holiday clubs as you so can tag team and double up. Sometimes other children have nannies you can offer some extra cash to to help with that too) 

Be aware most kids can't do 5 full days of camp when they are young because they get too tired - it's a lot of social interaction. You and your husband will need to look at trying to take some days or half days off work (or WFH) to break it up a bit. 

We are completely flummoxed right now on how working parents manage this, I guess we will figure as we go along! Thanks for taking out the time and responding
 

delsh wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:09 am There is wraparound care at Hornsby. My children are there but we don’t use it currently so can’t advise on costs but why don’t you drop the school and email and they will be able to outline the costs for each club per term: www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk/co-curriculum/b ... ool-clubs/

Thanks so much for your response! Have written to them understand the costs and structure of the the after school clubs. How has your experience been at Hornsby House? 

There is wraparound care at Hornsby. My children are there but we don’t use it currently so can’t advise on costs but why don’t you drop the school and email and they will be able to outline the costs for each club per term: www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk/co-curriculum/b ... ool-clubs/

Hi 
Very loosely I would say most holiday clubs around here will be approx £200 - £250 for a five day week. BUT almost none are proper full days, especially not for 3/4 year olds. you will need to be prepared to maybe add in a little ££ for some childcare a couple of afternoons to cover from 2/3pm - 5/6pm whilst you finish work. (You really want to encourage other friends to do the same holiday clubs as you so can tag team and double up. Sometimes other children have nannies you can offer some extra cash to to help with that too) 

Be aware most kids can't do 5 full days of camp when they are young because they get too tired - it's a lot of social interaction. You and your husband will need to look at trying to take some days or half days off work (or WFH) to break it up a bit. 

Hi,

We have got an offer from Hornsby House for our 3 year old son and before committing to it wanted to work out the entire financial commitment. Would be grateful for any insight on what after school clubs and holiday camps etc cost on top of the exorbitant school fee. Both me and my husband work full time so trying to figure how we will make this work!

Thanks.