Imagine this scenario: You are one of two busy parents, both working and both trying to balance the demands of your children and your career.

You would love to have the luxury of placing your kids in a supervised, caring environment where they would have the opportunity to complete their homework after school under the guidance of a qualified primary school teacher.

They would also have access to a whole range of games, toys and activities including music, art, drama, yoga and swimming. In the middle of all this after-school care, they would be fed a hot nutritious meal cooked by a trained chef.

Well, as and from September of this year, such a service has been up and running behind the Star of the Sea church in Sandymount. Magic Academy After School Care is already proving a real success with parents and children alike.

With two separate programmes, one for 4-7 year olds, the other for 7 to 12s, the Academy operates during school terms and holidays from 12.30 to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday with the children picked up from schools in the surrounding area and further afield, if necessary.

The staff of five are all qualified people, experienced in different areas of childcare and young education.

The relaxed, non-pressurised environment of the Academy means the children are free to enjoy and express themselves in a variety of different ways. An outdoor play area is in use when the weather is fine.

Currently, the nearby church hall is also being used, as the children are in rehearsal for their Christmas play.

In addition to the completion of their homework, the youngsters are being taught the basics of a foreign language, which should prove useful to their studies in the future.

Judging by the ever-increasing numbers on Magic’s books, the Academy seems to be fulfilling a real need for quality, after-school care in the south Dublin area.

The good news is spaces are still available for this term. If you would like more information or to see for yourself what Magic Academy has to offer, call 626 5025 or email: magicacademy@mail.com