Children's
& Young People's Services
Extended Services In and Around Schools
Out of School Clubs or Holiday Playschemes
What is an out of school club or a holiday playscheme?
After school clubs provide care for children aged between four and 14 years old (four to 16 years for children with special needs) out of school hours, during term time. Clubs are usually open from the end of the school day for approximately two hours; times may vary slightly. If you are looking for an out of school club you will need to find out if they collect from your child’s school.
Breakfast clubs operate mainly from a school or occasionally from a location close to a school. Clubs run for the school term for the hour prior to start of school. When the child arrives he/she will be offered a healthy breakfast.
Holiday playschemes operate during school holidays. The opening times vary from scheme to scheme. You usually have to register your children at the playscheme of your choice in advance of the holiday playscheme starting.
Registration
All out of school and holiday playscheme settings, that cater for children under eight years old, must be registered by Ofsted. Settings catering for children and young people over eight years old are advised to register voluntarily with Ofsted.
Staffing/Qualifications
Out of school clubs and holiday playschemes are run by experienced and committed staff, often from the local community. Staff will have formal qualifications in childcare or playwork to level 3. Parents should ask about the qualifications of staff and managers.
If children who attend a club are all over the age of eight there are currently no formal qualifications needed for staff. In Bexley, however, many clubs are working towards a quality kitemark and provide training for their staff.
What do they provide?
After school clubs offer a wide range of activities for children. They often provide an outside play area and a quiet area if the children just wish to relax. They encourage links with schools, including homework and reading clubs and special events are often arranged throughout the year. If an after school club is attached to your child’s school they will collect your child and escort him or her to the club. If your child’s school is not linked to a club, you may need to make your own arrangements for after school collection.
Breakfast clubs operate in some schools across the borough. Care, education and play opportunities are offered along with a healthy breakfast for children who attend.
Holiday playschemes offer a wide range of daily activities for the children, as well as an outside play area and a quiet area if the children just wish to relax. Special events are arranged throughout the scheme and some may organise trips and outings.
Many children with disabilities attend out of school clubs and holiday playschemes as all have a policy to promote inclusion.
If you are interested in setting up a club in your area contact the Extended Services In and Around Schools team.
Cost and allocation of places
Please check with providers for details of their charging policy. Concessions may be available for siblings.
You may be eligible to apply for the Childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. For further information contact HM Revenue & Customs help desk on 0845 300 3900 or visit  www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits
So how do I select?
If you feel one of these provisions would be suitable for you and your child you will need to contact the provider of your choice directly. Remember that these places are usually allocated on a first come first served basis.
Issues to consider
- Will your child be able to cope in another large group at the beginning or end of the day? Or would a childminder be a better option?
- Will your child have space and quiet time to complete any homework set?
- Are you happy with the transfer from school to the club that they provide if you require transport?
- Have you asked about qualifications of staff?
- Have you checked whether they are accredited or working towards a quality assurance scheme?
- Does the club offer a range of activities for your child?
- What type of food is available at the breakfast or out of school club?
- Will your child need to attend for the whole holiday period?
- Are you happy for your child to attend all the outings? These may incur an additional cost.
- Would your child enjoy the structure of a holiday playscheme?
Questions you may wish to ask at the provision
- How many children attend this setting?
- How many staff work at the setting?
- What qualifications/experience do the staff have?
- How do you cater for disabled children or children who need extra support?
- What hours and days do you operate?
- What is the current charge?
- Which schools do you collect from?
- What ages are catered for?
- What range of activities does the club offer?
- How do you deal with behaviour issues?
- Do you provide any snacks/meals?
- Do the children go on outings?
- Do I have to pay if my child is ill or not able to attend for any reason?
If you would like further information on out of school clubs or to discuss this service in more detail, please call the FIS by simply phoning our help line where our information officers will be happy to assist you.
Alternatively call the Extended Services in and Around Schools:
Useful contacts
|
