This could be:
- a Breakfast Club
- an After School Club
- a Holiday Play Scheme or an Activity Club
Some advantages:
- Provide childcare during school holidays for 5 to 12 year olds
- Breakfast and after school clubs may take and collect children from their school
- Provide a safe environment where children can ‘chill’, enjoy activities or do homework
Some disadvantages:
- Clubs which only care for children over 8 are not registered with OFSTED
- Mixed age ranges may not suit younger children who are tired after a school day
- You may have to arrange transport from school to the club
Breakfast Clubs
Breakfast clubs start between 7:30am and 8:00am and are open until the beginning of the school day during term time. They provide care for children before school along with a breakfast. As they are open for less than 2 hours, they do not need to be registered with OFSTED; however, if they offer an after school facility as well they will be registered and inspected by OFSTED. Most breakfast clubs are held on school sites. An increasing number of schools are offering breakfast clubs solely for children attending their school.
After School Clubs
After school clubs are open between 3:00pm and 6:00pm every school day during term time. They are not an extension of schooling; they are places where children and young people can relax and enjoy themselves, even doing their homework! All clubs recognise that this is the children’s own leisure time and it is their club. After School Clubs are held in a variety of locations including village halls, sports centres or schools. Although the style of premises varies, they should all be safe and welcoming.
After school clubs are registered and inspected by OFSTED and must meet the minimum criteria set out in the Government’s relevant care standard.
Holiday Playschemes
Some after school clubs also run playschemes during school holidays; other settings e.g. leisure centres offer activities just during holiday periods. If they provide care for any child under 8 for more than 2 hours a day and for more than 5 days a year, they must be registered with and regularly inspected by OFSTED.
Most holiday playschemes are ‘closed’ groups, meaning children are booked in and cared for by the staff until collected by their parents or another named person. Some, however, are ‘open access’ groups, meaning that children can leave unaccompanied.
All staff should have satisfied Criminal Records Bureau and health checks. All clubs should have a minimum of 2 members of staff present at all times including a trained first aider. At least half the staff should have a relevant qualification or be working towards this standard.
What should a good out-of-school club offer?
Play, friendship, security, creativity, excitement, rest, snacks, fun, sport and much more besides. The best clubs will have a range of activities appropriate to the age, culture, interest and needs of the children and young people it serves.
Staff are the key resource in any out-of-school club. Taking care of children and young people is a huge responsibility and extremely demanding. It is therefore important that staff are well trained and have the necessary skills and experience to work with school aged children. At least half of the staff should hold a relevant Level 2 qualification in Playwork. All staff should have satisfied Criminal Records Bureau and health checks. All clubs should have a minimum of 2 members of staff present at all times including a trained first aider.
In Wiltshire after school clubs are supported by area development workers who can advise on good practice, ensure policies are being implemented and help solve any problems.
Questions you might choose to ask include:
- Have they got a parents folder which contains all their policies?
- Will there be additional costs e.g. trips, snacks, transport?
- Where can you find copies of their prospectus, registration certificate and a recent OFSTED report?
- What are the club’s opening hours?
- Are they open during school half terms and during in-service training days?
- Do you have to pay if your child does not attend?
- Will they arrange collection from your child’s school; if so by whom?
- Can children choose their activities, or do they have a structured timetable?
- How many children usually attend the club? What are their ages?
Catering for Additional Needs
All clubs are encouraged to welcome children and young people with a disability or special educational need. All clubs should have a Special Needs Policy and a named person (SENCO - Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) with whom you can discuss your child’s or young person’s needs.
There are a small number of settings that cater exclusively for children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs.
How much do they charge?
The average cost of a breakfast club or after school club is between £2.50 and £3.00 per hour including food. Holiday clubs often offer a full day (average £15.00 to £20.00) and half day rate (average £8.00 to £10.00)
Can I get help with the fees?
Support for the cost of an out-of-school club may be available through:
- The childcare element of Working Tax Credit (only for after school and holiday activity clubs that are registered with OFSTED)
- Childcare Vouchers
- Social Inclusion Fund
What happens if my child is ill or has an accident?
Caring for sick children is not part of an out-of-schools club’s service and you should keep your child at home or collect them if they are unwell. In the case of an accident the club staff should put the needs of the child first and act accordingly. You should be asked to sign a consent form that allows club staff to seek emergency treatment if necessary. You should also read and sign their accident/incident book confirming you were given full details of any accident and the action taken.
