Frequently Asked Questions

Getting here

Q. Where are your clubs held?
A. In the amazing facilities of St Dominic Catholic Primary School

The address is:
Southdown Road
Harpenden, AL5 1PF

Q. Where should I drop my child off?
A. At both Breakfast and After School Club the drop off and pick up point is the Dining Room fire exit (there will be a sign on the door!) we ask parents that you leave your children at the door with us in the morning and we will bring them to you at pick up.

We use the Hall, the Dining Room, Link Room and all the wonderful outdoor space that our school has to offer. 

Q. Can I park in the school car park for dropping off and picking up from the clubs?
A, Unfortunately not, the car park is for School staff only and are operated by either an allocated fob or by the office. We do not have access to open these for you, so please use the street parking or the near by Baa Lambs Car Park (41 Leyton Rd, Harpenden AL5 2JB).

Q. Who can collect my child?
A. All children must be signed out by an adult as it is against OFSTED regulations to release your child to a minor.

Q. What if I need somebody else to pick them up?
A. If you ask someone else to pick your child up, please notify us in advance and give them your emergency password that you filled in on the registration form. Without notification your child will remain with us until we have contacted you or your emergency contacts. 

Nursery

Q. What is the pre-school nursery club 
A. You can find out more information on the preschool nursery by clicking here. Nursery Class are able to join Friends Together for the afternoon (12.30-3.30pm) and we will look after, entertain and continue to promote the children’s development and learning.

Q. Do you accept the the 30 or 15 hours Government free childcare?
A. Yes, we accept the 30 free hour code for those who are eligible. 

Q. What happens between 11.45am and 12.30pm?
A. You can book your child into supervised lunch with the school. The school lunch supervisors will collect your child from Nursery and supervise them in the school hall as they enjoy a parent provided lunch. They will then drop them off to Friends Together for our afternoon session.

Q. Do I have to pay for this additional supervised lunch session?
A. There is a cost (payable to school) to cover the supervision of the parent supplied packed lunch to link morning to afternoon care from 11.45 to 12.30pm

Q. How to I book?
A. The school will contact you prior to your child starting in Nursery. You can also contact the school office to arrange this or speak to the team.

Q. What do the Nursery children have for lunch?
A. You will need to send your child in with a packed lunch. Unfortunately School Dinners are not available for nursery children.

Bookings and Payments

Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. We accept all childcare vouchers/Bacs payments/Government scheme on a half-termly basis.

Q. Can I use the Tax-Free Childcare scheme?
A. Yes you can. Please let us know if you wish to pay using this scheme. More details and eligibility can be read here gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

Q. Whare the prices?
A. The latest prices are updated annually and can be found on the bookings page

Q. How are the clubs priced?
A. Club prices have been calculated according to the operating costs of the provision, to ensure viability of the club our fee structure will be reviewed on an annual basis. 

Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Cancellations can be made by phone or email, please send a text message if the phone is not answered. Please inform us on any changes to sessions ASAP. 

Q. When will I receive my invoice?
A.  Invoices will be sent half termly to the email address as provided on the registration form, we accept online payments, childcare vouchers and we are part of the Government Tax Free Childcare scheme. 

General Information

Q.  What happens if I am running late for pickup?
A. Please contact us on the Friends Together phone number 07933 046 834

Q. What if we can’t make pickup at 6pm?
A. Club closes promptly at 6pm. If you are going to be late please let us know on the club mobile ASAP, school closes soon after 6pm and we will not have access to the school after this time. We are required to have 2 members of staff to wait with your child so unfortunately a £20 late fee will be added to cover the cost of this.   

Q. What time can we drop off for Breakfast Club?
A. Doors open from 7,45am

Q. When do I need to pick my child up for After School Club
A. After school sessions finish at either 5pm or 6pm, depending on your booking.

We ask parents arriving after 5.10pm to pay for the later session, if you continue to arrive later after a number of sessions you will need to book in for the 6pm slot, to ensure staff/child ratio continues to be correct throughout. 

Q. Do you have a staff to child ratio to adhere too?
A: Yes we do, we have strict ratios at Friends Together:
Under 8’s – 1 Playworker to 8 children
Over 8’s- 1 Playworker to 15 children

Q. How do you ensure my child’s safety?
A. All of our policies and procedures for club are on site at all times, including our risk assessments, if you wish to read any of them please do ask a member of staff for a copy.

Q. What if I have any concerns or further questions?
A. Please feel free to call Juliette on 07933 046 834 or speak to any member of staff during our clubs. We are always around and available.