SKSG Optimist

SKSG Optimist is a small-scale after-school care (BSO) located inside primary school OBS De Vuurtoren at Vaargeul 117 in Groningen. We welcome up to 24 children aged 4 to 12. Because we share the same building as the school, children can walk straight to the BSO when classes end. This creates a calm, familiar environment: the children already know each other from school and are greeted every day by the same pedagogical staff in their bright green SKSG jackets. Children decide for themselves how they want to spend their time. We work with themes partly chosen by the children and offer a daily activity such as crafts, sports and games, or an excursion to the Kardingermeer area. Free play—indoors in the central hall or outdoors on the schoolyard and football pitch—is always an option. During holidays and teacher-training days we organise extra outings, for example to the petting zoo, cinema or barefoot path. Parents bring their child before 10:00 and collect after 17:00 on these days. Our pedagogical approach focuses on self-confidence and independence. Through the TOP programme (Future-oriented Development Programme) children practise planning and carrying out activities outside the centre on their own, such as joining a sports club, visiting the library or doing shopping. Clear agreements are recorded in a contract between child, parents and staff. Each group has a mentor who follows the child’s development and holds an annual observation meeting. We operate one base group for children aged 7-12. When fewer than 20 children are present we combine into one “home” group. On Wednesdays and Fridays care is provided at our sister BSO Buitengewoen (Koerspad 3) to ensure enough peers are available. We are open 7:30-8:30 and 13:30-18:00; extended care until 18:30 is available on request. At drop-off and pick-up we always exchange information with parents so everyone is up to date on the day’s experiences. In short, SKSG Optimist is a safe, homely place where children can romp, relax and grow in independence after school.