Peas in The Pod (before & after school child care)

Peas in the Pod provides a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that feels distinct from the school day. The provision is designed as downtime after a busy day of learning, particularly supporting younger children who benefit from a calm, relaxed transition. It offers a space where children can unwind, socialise with friends, and feel comfortable being themselves, while continuing to develop the school’s values of independence, kindness, love, respect, and courage.

Children are encouraged to enjoy a more informal atmosphere than the classroom, where play, choice, and wellbeing are prioritised. Positive relationships, mixed-age friendships, and a strong sense of belonging are at the heart of the provision.

A wide range of child-initiated and adult-led activities is available throughout each session. Children are supported to make independent choices based on their interests, helping to build confidence and self-esteem. Activities include free play, craft activities, small world play, construction, and planned adult-led activities that offer enrichment without feeling like formal learning.

There are also opportunities for children to complete homework should they wish to do so. This is optional and supported by staff where needed.

Peas in the Pod runs every day during the school term (except TD days and for After School Club on the last day of the main terms ( Christmas and Summer holidays).

Breakfast Club 7.35am – 8.40am £6.67 per session (includes breakfast)

After school 3.20pm – 4.30pm £7.75 per session (includes snack)

After school 3.20pm – 6.00pm £17.97 per session (includes snack and tea)

Arrival, Snack and Mealtimes

Children are warmly welcomed by staff on arrival and offered a snack at 3:20pm. Snacks consist of either a biscuit or two crackers, alongside a portion of fruit (a quarter or half piece, depending on the child’s age). Snack time provides a gentle transition from the school day and encourages conversation, independence, and positive social interaction.

Tea is served at approximately 4:40pm and consists of two courses, freshly prepared by the school kitchen. Mealtimes are unhurried and sociable, supporting children’s wellbeing, independence, and positive table manners. The termly menu is shared with families.

Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is a valued part of our provision and supports children’s physical development, mental wellbeing, and social skills. Our aim is to provide access to outdoor spaces when the weather allows and when after-school clubs are not running.

Children have supervised access to the ball court, MUGA, and wild area, where they can take part in both structured and unstructured activities. These include football, den building, hide and seek, and imaginative play. Outdoor experiences promote teamwork, resilience, cooperation, and appropriate risk-taking, while allowing children to release energy in a positive way.

Screen Time and Media Use

Screen time is carefully managed to ensure it supports relaxation while maintaining a healthy balance with active, creative, and social play.

· A television is available in the Pod and is used during breakfast in the morning.

· In the afternoon, the television is available between 4:00–4:30pm and 5:30–6:00pm.

· The Media Suite provides access to three Nintendo DS consoles between 4:00–4:30pm.

· Children use the consoles on a 5-minute rota, promoting fairness, turn-taking, and positive behaviour.

All screen use is supervised by staff, who ensure content is age-appropriate and that children are encouraged to engage in a wide range of activities throughout the session.

Registering your child for Peas in the Pod

Bookings will be made prior to the start of the academic year, for a year at a time. Any cancellations for those places will need to be made one term in advance. For example, if you wish to cancel your place in January (Term 3), you will need to notify us before the last day of term in October (Term 1). This will ensure that a place can then be offered to those on the waiting list in good time.

Places must be requested for the entire school year: September to July.

Places will be allocated as per the Peas in the Pod admissions criteria (see below).

Once all places have been offered, a waiting list will then be held for those parents who have applied by the closing date, according to criteria.

Those parents/guardians who have applied following the deadline date will have their child’s name added to the waiting list according to date of application.

If your child attends Peas and you find yourself in need of emergency childcare, you can email peasinthepod@malmesbury-pri.wilts.sch.uk or phone in to the school office on 01666 823514 to check Peas availability. We call these ad hoc sessions. Ad hoc sessions must not be relied upon as regular childcare as there are times we are unable to meet ad hoc requirements. Please email requests for one off sessions, rather than asking the staff who are in ratio supervising the children.

Terms and conditions

Terms and Conditions 2026/27

Peas in the Pod Summer Menu

Peas in the Pod Allergens