AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

By continuing to invest in children beyond the early years, Gilfach Goch Community Association (GGCA) ensures that every child has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and feel a true sense of belonging within their community.

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We recognise that children need more than just care outside of school hours—they need opportunities to be heard, to explore their interests, and to shape the activities they take part in. With children’s voices, needs, and interests at the centre of everything we do, GGCA has developed a responsive and inclusive programme of After School Club and School Holiday Provision, incorporating both open access play and structured activities designed directly from feedback gathered through consultation and evaluation sessions.

 

This child-led approach means that children feel valued and empowered, knowing their ideas matter and are acted upon.

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“We asked for more cooking and now we do it every week—I made pasta for my family at home!” – Child, aged 8

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“I like coming here because we get to choose what we do. It’s fun and everyone is kind.” – Child, aged 7

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Positive Benefits for Children

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By placing children at the heart of our work, we see a wide range of positive outcomes:

• Increased confidence and self-esteem
  Children feel listened to and respected, helping them to express themselves more openly and try new experiences.

• Stronger sense of belonging
  A safe, familiar environment where children feel part of a community beyond school and home.

• Improved social skills and friendships
  Open access play and group activities encourage teamwork, cooperation, and inclusive play.

• Greater independence and decision-making
  Children take ownership of their choices, helping to build responsibility and confidence.

• Enhanced wellbeing and enjoyment
  Having fun, feeling safe, and being active contributes to improved emotional wellbeing.

 

Valued Partnership with Schools

Our close partnership with Hendreforgan Primary School strengthens the impact of our After School Club and Holiday Provision. Ongoing communication with school staff allows us to better understand children’s needs and provide consistent, complementary support beyond the classroom.

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Feedback from the school highlights the difference our provision makes in terms of improving the children’s confidence and social interaction. It has contributed towards children feeling more settled and ready to learn.

By providing a safe and supportive environment the children benefit in terms of there being a positive improvement on both wellbeing and behaviour in school.

 

This partnership ensures that children experience continuity in support, helping them to feel secure, understood, and better equipped to succeed both socially and academically.

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Case Study 1: Building Confidence Through Voice and Choice

“From Quiet to Confident”

A child attending After School Club initially struggled to engage in group activities and rarely spoke up. Through GGCA’s child-led approach, staff encouraged participation in activity discussions and gave the child opportunities to share ideas.

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Over time, the child suggested introducing more arts and crafts sessions—an idea that was implemented. Seeing their voice heard had a significant impact:

“My son don’t talk much in school, but here he feel’s comfortable. Now he even join in during class.” – Parent of 6 year old

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The child is now more confident, socially engaged, and actively participates both in the club and at school.

 

Case Study 2: Developing Skills Beyond the Classroom

“Learning Skills for Life”
Following feedback from children, cookery sessions were introduced. One child, with limited opportunities at home, began attending regularly and developed both confidence and practical skills.

 

“I made wraps and showed my mum how to do it…we cooked together.” – Child, aged 9

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Mum stated that, “the teacher said X has improved confidence and will now participate in classroom activities.” This helps demonstrate how skills developed at GGCA positively transfer into school life.

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A Provision Shaped by Children

Our School Holiday Provision further extends these opportunities, offering open access play sessions shaped by children’s interests—from sports and creative arts to themed days and community-based activities.

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“It’s the best place to come in the holidays—you’re never bored.” – Child, aged 10

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“I love playscheme because the staff are funny and kind and I get to try new things.” – Child aged 12

 

Creating Opportunities That Last

Through meaningful engagement, strong partnerships, and a commitment to child-led delivery, we can continue to provide opportunities that go far beyond play.

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Seeing children leave our provision with greater confidence, stronger relationships, improved wellbeing, and a sense of belonging that supports them both in school and at home or life in general is proof that the support they receive helps better prepare them for the future.

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A Safe Space to Grow, Learn and Belong

Our After School Club runs Monday to Thursday, 3:15pm – 4:45pm, offering a free, structured and open access programme of activities designed to engage, inspire, and support children’s development in a fun and inclusive setting.

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Each day offers a different focus:

• Monday – Arts & Crafts - Supporting creativity, self-expression, and imagination

• Tuesday – Cookery: Building life skills, independence, and healthy habits

• Wednesday – Games: Encouraging problem-solving, cooperation, and fun social interaction

• Thursday – Open Access Play including for example, Sports: Promoting physical health, teamwork, and confidence

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Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis, with registration required at the start of each term.

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