EXPLORING FUN & CREATIVITY
Afterschool Club
5-11 years
A FUN & FRIENDLY SPACE
Where children relax, connect and thrive
A welcoming, spacious afterschool club where children can relax, connect, and enjoy their time beyond the school day.
Our Afterschool Club is based within the grounds of Acorn Primary School in Carrickfergus. Set within a large, well-equipped mobile unit, the space includes two playrooms and a kitchen, offering children a variety of environments to play, create and unwind.
From the moment children arrive, they are welcomed into a familiar, homely routine. Each child has their own named coat peg and a space to settle in after school, surrounded by displays of their artwork and creations.
The rooms are filled with engaging toys, creative materials, and opportunities for both active and quiet play, helping every child feel comfortable and included.
Daily Rhythm
🚌 Reliable & Secure School Pick-Ups
🏫 Arrival
We understand that the transition from school to after-school care needs to be seamless and safe. Jollytots provides a dedicated FREE pick-up service for all primary schools and other facilities across the Carrickfergus area.
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Experienced Team: Every pick-up is supervised by a Jollytots staff member. Our drivers are experienced, fully licensed and insured.
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Flexible Capacity: To ensure no child is left waiting during peak time demands, we utilise a combination of Jollytots' two vehicles, staff cars or a member of staff accompanies a taxi.
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Safe Transit: We ensure every child is securely buckled in and supervised at all times.
Our club opens at 1:45 pm for early arrivals at 2pm. Upon arrival, children are encouraged to build independence by hanging up their own belongings and washing their hands before joining the group.
🍽️ Food
Around 3:15 pm, we serve a delicious afternoon snack featuring items like pancakes, croissants, toast, or muffins, alongside a constant supply of fresh fruit. This is an important social moment where children can pause, refuel, and connect with friends.
At our Afterschool Club, we promote "agency and choice." Children serve themselves during snack time, which fosters social skills and confidence in a relaxed, communal setting.
☀️ School Holiday Club
Adventure Awaits — When school is out, the fun begins! We offer full-day care throughout the holidays, providing a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore.
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Hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
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Fuelling Discovery: Nutritious morning and afternoon snacks provided. Parents provide a healthy packed lunch.
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Summer Highlights: Full itinerary of exciting outings released in advance.
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Easter & Winter Fun: Frequent trips to local playparks during school breaks.
LIFE AT AFTERSCHOOL
See our world
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Play & Activities
Opportunities for creativity, movement, and choice every day. Children have access to a wide range of activities, supporting different interests and energy levels.
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Outdoor play with football, basketball, and group games
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Creative arts and crafts linked to seasonal themes
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Messy play including painting, playdough, slime, and baking
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Cooking and baking activities in the kitchen
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Free play with LEGO, figures, dolls, and imaginative resources
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Homework time available
Every afternoon is an adventure
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Encouraging imagination, independence, and self-expression.
Children regularly take part in both structured and child-led projects. Junk art projects use recycled materials, allowing children to design and create freely without step-by-step instruction — supporting independence, problem-solving, and creativity.
Themed activities offer more guided experiences, with visual examples to help children understand and achieve their creations while still making them their own.
WHAT WE OFFER
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Unwinding After School
Time to decompress, recharge, and be themselves.
We recognise that children come to us after a full and structured school day. That's why we prioritise free choice time — whether that's drawing, reading, playing games, or simply spending time with friends.
iPad play is limited to 10-minute "power sessions" to keep young nervous systems balanced. Our TV is reserved for special occasions like movie afternoons or Friday Treats!
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What the children said about what makes Jollytots special
"
The adults look after us
and keep us safe
"
The equipment in the playground
"
They make lovely food
"
I get to play with lots of different fun toys
SEE MORE
WHY JOLLYTOTS AFTERSCHOOL
More than just childcare
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What Makes Afterschool Special
A strong sense of community where every child belongs. Our afterschool club is built on connection — many children have grown up together within Jollytots, creating strong, family-like bonds.
New children are warmly welcomed and quickly included in play, supported by both staff and peers as they find their feet.
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Supporting Families
Reliable care in a safe, nurturing environment. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are cared for in a secure, home-from-home setting while they work.
Children benefit from a balance of structured activities and free play, opportunities to build friendships, and engaging experiences ranging from sports and crafts to summer outings.
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Our Team
Experienced, caring staff who create a positive and engaging environment. Our afterschool team brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and care to the club:
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A strong focus on creative play, arts, and sensory activities
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A passion for sports, movement, and active play
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A love of storytelling, reading, and baking with children
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Ongoing support including drop-offs and collections