How do I book?

For advance bookings please fill in the attached form and return to the office. For one-off, occasional or last minute bookings please pop-in to the office, call on the main number 020 8340 7023 or email highgatenightowls@gmail.com.

How much does it cost?

As you can see we have a few different rates. To receive the cheapest rate you need to book a week or more in advance. There is a sibling discount and concessions are available for children eligible for free school meals. If you would like your child to attend Night Owls after doing a club this is absolutely fine and a reduced ‘top-up’ rate will apply. We also understand that sometimes you may like to book your child in at short notice, even on the day. This is also fine, although, as you will see below, slightly higher charges will apply. We accept childcare vouchers and are currently registered with Edenred. If your employer offers a different scheme, please check first with the office or call 020 8340 7023.

Which years can attend?

Early Birds and Night Owls are open to children from Reception right through to Year 6.

How do I pay?

For regular bookings we ask that you pay in advance half termly or weekly, ideally online via the school website in the same way that you pay for school lunches, clubs and trips.www.highgateprimaryschool.co.uk. If you prefer, you can pay by cheque or with cash at the school office.

For occasional, irregular or one-off bookings you can also pay online or through the office.

For same day bookings, if you are unable to pay online, we ask that you bring payment in cash or cheque when you collect your child.

What happens if I am late

If you are likely to be late or please phone Ellie on the Night Owls mobile number 07729 513640 with as much notice as possible. If you need to speak to Ellie urgently you can also call the mobile between the hours of 3pm and 6pm. We are sure you’ll understand that a late charge will be applied of £5 for every 15 minutes after 6.15pm. We ask that you pay this when you collect your child.

What if my child is ill?

If your child is off school due to illness you will not be charged for your Early Birds or Night Owls booking.

Do I have to fill in a registration form?

Yes. You will need to fill in a registration form with contact details, emergency numbers and any relevant medical information about your child.

What is the child to adult ratio?

Every day there will be our Play Leader Ellie plus one Teaching Assistant if there are less than 20 children, two TAs if there are between 20 and 30 children and three TAs if there are more than thirty children. We are also hoping to work with local schools to have sixth form students volunteering to give additional support to Night Owls on a regular basis.

Will my child have something to eat?

Yes. A healthy breakfast of toast, cereal and fruit is given at Early Birds and a meal will be provided every afternoon at Night Owls. Three days a week it will be prepared and cooked off-site by Highgate Primary mum and cook Susi Molteno. It will then be warmed through in the Dining Centre kitchen. These meals will vary seasonally but are likely to include shepherds pie, chicken stir fry, meatballs and spaghetti and pasta bake, Fruit, water and carrots, cucumber and cherry tomatoes will also be offered. On the other two days the Night Owls staff will cook a simple meal, perhaps soup and a roll, sandwiches and occasionally pizza. The days Susi cooks will rotate so that all children will be able to enjoy her meals. 

What happens at Night Owls on a typical day?

The children will be involved in suggesting activities and planning them and although they will be encouraged to take part each afternoon, it is also important that they feel able to read a book or play a game of their own choice if they would prefer. On warm summer afternoons all activities may take place in the playground and the peace garden, including a picnic – style tea or even a BBQ. However, the timetable each day will be roughly as follows.

3.30 – 3.45            younger children collected from class, older children make own way to Family Centre, registration and welcome

3.45 – 4.30             sport: table tennis, basketball, football, dance or games outside or in the gym or school hall

4.30 – 5.00             art and crafts or board games and homework club

5.00 – 5.20              a home made hot meal in the Dining Centre and then back over to the Family Centre for:

5.20 – 6.00             Chill Out: a chance to relax for the last half an hour in beanbags with storytelling, songs or educational TV programmes like ‘Deadly 60’ or ‘Horrible Histories’

Where do I pick my child up?

You will collect your child from the Family Centre via the entrance on Gaskell Road, which has an entry-phone system.

We hope that this answers all your questions about Early Birds and Night Owls. If there is anything more you would like to know please do ask in the office.