The Blyth School provide a safe place to be before and after school hours and during holidays, offering access to a varied menu of study support and enrichment activities, including a range of the following:
- “Catch up” and “stretch” activities; homework clubs
- Arts activities e.g. dance, drama, arts, crafts
- Sports activities (at least 2 hours per week for those who want it.)
- Other recreational activities, e.g. special interest clubs, music tuition, modern foreign languages, volunteering, business and enterprise activities, visits to museums and galleries.
The Blyth School can signpost to leisure centres, youth clubs or other activities organised by the local authority and voluntary, community and private providers where these activities meet the needs of the young people and are readily accessible.
The childcare element of tax credits can be claimed for regular, supervised, Ofsted-registered childcare and other activities up to age 15 (16 years for disabled children). The Blyth School tries to make sure parents (particularly those on low incomes) are aware of this and encourage them to apply for assistance to meet any charges.
Where such activities and childcare are provided directly by, or under contract to, the school (and are therefore exempt from registration on the Ofsted Childcare Register or Voluntary Childcare Register), parents can still claim tax credits by using the school Ofsted number.
Further information can be found at the Families Information Service. Free phone 08000 234440 for advice and guidance.
Local Strategy and Information
The Local Authority has a duty under the Childcare Act 2006 to secure sufficient childcare through:
- Assessing the market (supply and demand)
- Supporting the development of new childcare where needed
- Providing training, business support, market information and advice to practitioners and potential practitioners
The aim of the Early Years and Childcare Service (EYC) is:
‘To support and develop high quality early years education and childcare provision which is accessible, affordable, responsive and sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of all children and support their families and others in caring for them.’
The EYC Service is working in partnership with the Extended Services team to ensure policy and delivery are aligned.
Information, advice and support are delivered by the team of EYC Service Childcare Coordinators. Their role is to:
- Act as lead locality contact in relation to the childcare element of the core offer (for Children’s Centres and Extended Services)
- Develop, support and maintain sufficient integrated and inclusive childcare provision for children aged 0-16
- Monitor and support the sustainability of childcare provision (in association with Business Support Officer)
- Support continuous improvement of the quality of childcare through information, advice and guidance
Childcare in Northumberland is delivered by a number of local agencies from the statutory, private, voluntary and independent sectors, singly and in a range of partnership arrangements.