Afterschool Club in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Poppins Afterschool Club provides a safe, stimulating and homely environment for primary school children in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Running Monday to Friday from 1:30pm to 5:30pm, we are aligned with Divine Word National School in Marley Grange — collecting children each afternoon and caring for them until parents are ready to collect.
We follow the Divine Word school timetable and operate for the full 38 weeks of the school term. Whether you need afterschool care five days a week or just a few days, we offer a flexible service designed around the real lives of working parents.
What your child gets every afternoon
From the moment children arrive at Poppins Afterschool, the afternoon follows a consistent, enjoyable routine that gives them structure after the school day while leaving plenty of room for fun.
1:30pm
1:30 Collection from Divine Word National School. Children are taken by car by the Afterschool Co-ordinators directly to Poppins
On arrival
Homework time. Children settle in and complete their school homework with one-to-one support available when needed. We make sure every child finishes their homework before moving on — so evenings at home are free.
After homework
Nutritious hot meals are provided by the Early Days Food company and there is a varied menu available. Children eat together in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Free time
Once homework and dinner are done, children are free to choose their own activities — board games, arts and crafts, drama, outdoor play in the garden, or simply relaxing with friends. We never rush this part of the day.
Until 5:30pm
Parents collect at a time that suits them, anytime up to 5:30pm. We also facilitate drop-offs and collections to and from Divine Word extra-curricular activities, as well as football, hurling, and soccer training sessions.
And...home
... to hear all about the wonderful day they've just had!
A freshly cooked hot meal every day
Every afternoon, children at Poppins Afterschool Club sit down to a hot nutritious meal prepared by Early Days Food. The rotating menu offers a variety of wholesome, nutritious cooked meals that children enjoy.
We cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian and gluten free. Just let us know if your child has any particular dietary requirements.
An example of our meals are:
-
Sausages in onion gravy and mashed potato
-
Chicken and veg pasta dish
-
Chicken curry and rice
-
Beef pasta bolognese
-
Fish cakes, veg and mashed potato
-
Tomato and veg pasta dish
-
Cottage Pie
-
Meatballs, brocolli and mashed potato
A place children actually want to come to
Our vision for the afterschool club has always been simple — to create an experience children genuinely enjoy, not just a place to wait until parents finish work. After a full school day, children need time to decompress, socialise, and have fun in an environment that feels relaxed and welcoming.
Arts and crafts
Regular creative projects give children a chance to make things with their hands, express themselves, and build something to bring home — always a favourite.
Drama and imaginative play
Drama activities build confidence, communication and teamwork in a fun, low-pressure setting. Children love the freedom to perform and create their own stories.
Board games and social time
Board games, card games, and free social time let children wind down, build friendships, and develop turn-taking and problem-solving skills naturally.
Garden and outdoor play
Our outdoor garden gives children space to run, play, and burn off energy after a day at their desk. Fresh air and physical play are built into every afternoon, weather permitting.
Practical information for parents
-
Hours: Monday to Friday, 1:30pm to 5:30pm
-
School term: 38 weeks, aligned with Divine Word NS, Marley Grange
-
Collection: We collect directly from Divine Word NS each afternoon
-
Extra-curricular: We facilitate drop-offs and collections for sports training and school activities
What's included
Collection from school, homework support, freshly cooked hot meal, supervised activities and outdoor play — all included in the afterschool fee.
NCS subsidy available
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) can reduce the cost of afterschool care for qualifying families. Check your entitlement at NCS.gov.ie.
Current fee schedule
Please contact Caroline directly for our current afterschool fee schedule.