After School Madressa

Structured After School Care Where Children Grow in Strength, Character and Faith

Transport from school • Nutritious meals • Screen-free learning • Faith-based development • Small supervised groups

Qalm Academy provides structured after school care for children aged 7–16, supporting families across Shipley and the wider Bradford community.

Our programme combines Qur’an learning, mentoring, specialist activities and healthy routines within a safe, supervised and screen-free environment designed to help children develop confidence, discipline and strong character.

Why Parents Choose Qalm Academy

Parents choose Qalm Academy because their children receive far more than basic after-school supervision.

Our programme provides a safe, structured and supportive environment where children develop confidence, discipline and strong values while parents have peace of mind knowing their child is well cared for.

  • Safe School Pick-Up – Supervised transport from local schools.
  • Small Supervised Groups – Children receive personal attention and mentoring.
  • Screen-Free Environment – Children focus on real-world learning and activities.
  • Faith-Based Learning – Qur’an teaching and Islamic studies supporting strong moral development.
  • Confidence Building Activities – Martial arts, outdoor learning and creative development.
  • Nutritious Meals – Healthy meals supporting wellbeing and energy.

The Qalm Method – Four Pillars of Development

Mental Strength – Focus, curiosity and problem-solving through guided learning.
Physical Strength – Movement, martial arts training and outdoor learning supporting health.
Emotional Strength – Mentoring and teamwork helping children build resilience.
Spiritual Strength – Faith learning guiding values, behaviour and purpose.

Programme Flow

School Pick-Up
Arrival and Sign-In
5 Minute Tai Chi Grounding Exercise
Nutritious Meal
Qur’an Learning and Islamic Studies
Specialist Activities
Reflection and Prayer
Collection or Extended Care

Weekly Programme Schedule

Monday – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (discipline and confidence)
Tuesday – Japanese Wooden Construction Learning (creative thinking)
Wednesday – Forest School Outdoor Learning
Thursday – Islamic Studies and Character Development
Friday – Horse Riding Experiences
Weekend – Optional childcare support for working families

After School Programme

Qalm Academy provides structured after-school childcare for children aged 7–16.

Programme hours: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Extended childcare available for families who require additional support.

Programme includes:

  • School pick-up transport
  • Nutritious meals
  • Faith-based learning
  • Specialist development activities
  • Mentoring and reflection
  • Small supervised groups

Daily Programme Structure

3:00 – 3:30  School collection and arrival
3:30 – 3:35  Tai Chi grounding exercise
3:35 – 4:00  Nutritious meal
4:00 – 4:40  Qur’an learning and Islamic studies
4:40 – 5:30  Specialist activities
5:30 – 6:00  Reflection, mentoring and prayer

Faith Curriculum

Qur’an Learning

  • Recitation with Tajweed
  • Memorisation appropriate to ability
  • Understanding meaning and lessons
  • Applying teachings to everyday life

Islamic Studies

  • Stories of the Prophets
  • Islamic history and heritage
  • Daily manners and character (Akhlaq)
  • Understanding prayer and worship

Prayer Facilities
Dedicated prayer space and ablution (wudu) area available.

Specialist Development Activities

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Builds discipline, confidence and resilience.
Forest School – Encourages outdoor learning and teamwork.
Horse Riding – Builds patience, confidence and emotional awareness.
Japanese Wooden Construction Learning – Encourages creativity, concentration and problem solving.

Screen-Free Environment

Qalm Academy operates as a screen-free programme during session hours.

Children instead engage in:

  • Physical activity
  • Outdoor learning
  • Creative building
  • Teamwork and mentoring

Benefits include improved focus, stronger social interaction and healthier routines.

Our Story

Qalm Academy was created to provide a positive, structured environment for children after school.

Families in Shipley and Bradford wanted more than simple childcare. They wanted a place where children could develop confidence, discipline and strong values while remaining safe and supervised.

The academy combines childcare, mentoring, faith education and physical development to support young people during the most important hours of the day.

Community Impact

Qalm Academy supports families and the wider community by providing:

  • Safe after-school environments
  • Support for working families
  • Positive mentoring for young people
  • Faith-based character development
  • Healthy routines and physical activity

Our Values

Faith
Respect
Discipline
Wellbeing
Community
Lifelong Learning

Safeguarding and Child Protection

The safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority.

Safeguarding includes:

  • Supervised activities at all times
  • Safe school transport procedures
  • Structured arrival and collection processes
  • Trained staff supervision
  • Clear behaviour guidance and mentoring

Our Team

Programme Lead
Qur’an and Islamic Studies Teacher
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Forest School Leader
Equestrian Instructor
Child Safeguarding Lead
Transport Coordinator

The Qalm Academy Promise

Every child attending Qalm Academy benefits from:

  • Safe supervised childcare
  • Structured daily routines
  • Faith-based learning
  • Small group mentoring
  • Healthy meals
  • Physical and creative activities
  • A supportive community environment

Join Qalm Academy

Families looking for a safe, structured and faith-centred after-school programme are welcome to join Qalm Academy.

After School Madressa Club