Given the right help and environment children can get the start in life that they deserve.

That is the belief of staff at Rolo's Playsafe in South Croydon which cares for children aged four to 11. And the feedback from parents and children who attend Rolo's shows they are getting it right.

Linda Simmons' daughter Megan attends the breakfast and after-school clubs at Rolo's, which is based at Ridgeway Primary School in Southcote Road.

She said: "The place is a hive of activity. The staff continuously interact with the children and ensure that all the children are included and occupied should they wish to be."

She added: "First thing in the morning I am always greeted with beaming smiles and a lot of cheerful banter. It certainly brightens up my day and I am sure it starts Megan's school day off well."

And mum Caroline Hobden said Rolo's offers a safe, caring and fun environment where children can socialise and continuously develop.

The club runs a number of structured activities including dance and drama, creative writing, arts and crafts and cooking as well as holiday outings which are tailored to meet children's needs and Ofsted guidelines.

Rolo's also has a holiday club providing working parents with an option during the school breaks.

Preciosa Rose has worked at Rolo's for the past three years and manages the centre's after-school club. She said: "The children are quite happy coming here at the end of the day. They get to do what they want to do and they enjoy coming because we run lots of activities."

She added: "Parents are happy knowing that their children are in safe hands."