Smooth Start

A smooth start at Club Basker International

Starting After School Care at Club Basker International might feel a bit exciting or even a little daunting - especially if your child is starting at a new school at the same time. These feelings are perfectly understandable. At Club Basker International, formerly known as Zein International Childcare, we understand that starting this new chapter takes some getting used to and requires some support. Our team will provide a warm welcome and ensure your child will soon feel right at home.

With these tips, your child will be well prepared for their first day at Club Basker International!

Basker International Childcare header boy with paint

What to expect

Consistent point of contact: There’s always a dedicated pedagogic professional who serves as your regular point of contact. They make sure your child feels welcome, explain the activities in detail, and are happy to answer questions.
Communication with school: We inform your child’s teacher at school that they’re settling in at Club Basker. This way, the school can offer extra support if needed and help ease the transition.
Visit and introduction: Before your child starts at Club Basker, you’re welcome to come and visit our location(s). It’s a chance to look around, get a feel for the atmosphere, and meet our pedagogic professionals. Book a tour at a nearby location today.
Older explorers lend a hand: Children that have been with us a bit longer love showing newcomers around. They’ll point out the toilets, introduce the kitchen, and share their own experiences. It’s often how the first friendships begin!
Personal attention: Our pedagogic professionals take the time to truly get to know your child. Step by step, they discover what your child enjoys, and of course, we keep you informed along the way.
Evaluation chat: After the first few weeks, we sit down together. You, your child, and us. How’s it going? What’s going well? Is there anything we can improve? This way, we make sure everyone feels comfortable and supported.

How to prepare

Explore Club Basker together: Many children move on from Daycare or Pre-School straight into After School Care. If everything’s in the same building, it’s often just one door away, how convenient! You can pop round together for a quick look, or arrange a play-visit in advance. This way, your child gets to know the new environment in a gradual manner. If the location is new, it’s helpful to take a bit more time to explain that they will be going to a different building. Visit together and meet the pedagogic professionals. It makes the transition much smoother.
Spoken language: At Club Basker, the main language spoken is English. If English is new to your child, try practising some words they might hear often - like water, food, or toilet. Singing English songs or reading stories together also helps build familiarity. Many of our teachers are international and speak multiple languages. Where possible, and if needed, they’ll take time to explain things in your child’s mother tongue. Rest assured, our staff are experienced with language gaps and know how to help children feel at home regardless.
Keep your schedule light: The first few weeks can be quite intense. Everything is new; school and After School Care. Try not to plan too much besides that, so your child has time to unwind at home and process all the new impressions.
Feeling upset? Show understanding: You might notice your child is more easily upset or defiant at home. That’s perfectly normal, it’s their way of working through all the new experiences. A little extra understanding can go a long way.
Stay available: During the first few weeks, it’s helpful if you’re reachable and able to pick your child up earlier if needed.
Open communication: If you have any concerns or wishes, feel free to share them with our educational professionals. We’re happy to think along and find what best suits your child.

Time to adjust is normal,

for older children too!

If your child is a little older, adjusting to a new routine is still perfectly natural. A bit of preparation goes a long way: exploring together, talking things through, and gradually becoming familiar with the new setting.

And you’re not alone, our pedagogic professionals are here to support you. With open communication, we’ll ensure the transition is smooth, so your child quickly feels at ease and in the right place.