© 2001 The Funshine Club                                                

Did you know that a child learns more between the ages of birth and six than it does for  the rest of it’s life?

Play enables children to explore and experience the world around them and to make sense of everything they do and say.

Complex processes such as social rules, building friendships and interacting with others are all being learned whilst children play.

A variety of healthy snack options are available during breakfast and afternoon sessions.

• Pasta with tuna and sweetcorn

• Tortilla wraps with cheese

• Yogurt with fruit

• Sandwiches with mixed fillings

• Noodles with peas and ham

...and much more!

Funshine was ‘born’ in 2001 and was spearheaded by Shirley Darlington.  With a background in early years and having worked in nursery and reception classes, she recognised the growing need for an affordable, flexible childcare service which operated outside of school hours.

Later, due to demand from parents, a holiday club was set up to provide care during holidays when many parents were still working.

A new facility followed at Picknalls County First School in 2005.

Shirley quickly came to realise that her NNEB qualification alone would not equip her for running what was becoming a very viable business so she embarked upon a period of further training with the Institute of Leadership and Management.

It was during this time that she formed a friendship with fellow student, Suzanne Mackay, who was then manager of a Day Nursery.  After gaining their ILM Certificate in Management, they decided to join forces to create a new management team.

Since then the club has grown (and the staff group with it!) and the team  has developed into an experienced body of professionals who make it their aim to provide the best they can for the children in their care.

The club is registered with OFSTED and at the last inspection (held at St.Mary’s) the club was awarded a ‘good’ rating and praised staff for their ‘warm and friendly relationships with the youngsters in their care and for their knowledge of how children develop and learn’.

Both clubs were also awarded ****star ratings by East Staffs Borough Council’s ‘Rate My Place’ food safety scheme.  In line with the new Food Standards, the club has recently introduced new healthy eating snack menus which are proving to be a hit with all the children!

The whole team are very proud of the high esteem in which they and the club are held by both children and parents and this is reflected in the very strong ‘word of mouth’ recommendations received.

Shirley Darlington

Suzanne Mackay