Out Of School Care
Out of school care
Out of School facilities provide day care for children under eight which may operate during one or more of the following periods:
- before school
- after school
- during the school holidays
All Out of School childcare provided for more than two hours per day and for more than five days a year is included . It may include children from age three to fourteen years old. Although care specifically for children over the age of eight years old does not have to be registered.
Out of School Clubs are not extensions of school, but places where children can relax and enjoy themselves under professional supervision.
The regulation of out of school clubs
All Out of School Clubs catering for children under 8 years of age are registered and inspected by OFSTED, the Office for Standards in Education. Ofsted ensure childcare providers meet the 14 national standards relating to Health & Safety, equipment, care and learning.
Inspection reports and action plans are available to read at each setting.
After school clubs
After School Clubs can provide care for children aged from 3 to 14 years old, after the school day during school term time. They are usually open from 3.30pm to 6.00pm, some may also offer a morning session, usually known as a breakfast club.
Many clubs attached to schools will also offer facilities for teacher training days. If an After School Club is attached to your child’s school they will guarantee to collect your child and escort him or her to the setting. If your child’s school is not linked to a club, you may need to make your own arrangements for after school collection if transport is not provided.
After School Clubs offer a wide range of activities for children, as well as 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.
Holiday playschemes
A holiday playscheme provides daycare for children under 14 years old during the school holidays. Settings usually open between 8.00am to 6.00pm, however these times may vary depending on the scheme.
Settings offer a wide range of daily activities for children with outside play areas and quiet areas, if the children just wish to relax. Special events are often arranged such as trips and outings.
Many playschemes cater for children aged 5 to 14 years, but age ranges will vary depending on the registration of the scheme.
Costs
Most Holiday schemes range from approximately £12.00 to £20.00 per full day this may or may not include lunch or additional costs of trips or outings.
Out of School Clubs prices range from £4.00 to £6.00 per session. Working parents may be able to get help with costs if they are eligible to receive the Working Tax Credit (WTC).
WTC for childcare can only be claimed for over 8’s provision if the setting has a nationally recognised Quality Assurance Accreditation. Please contact us if you require further information regarding WTC.
Qualifications and staff training
All Out of School Clubs are required to employ some qualified staff. Currently at least half the staff must hold a relevant childcare qualification. Some staff will have formal qualifications in childcare or playwork, the most common being National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
How to select an out of school club
- Ask us for details of local clubs in the area as new clubs are being set up all the time. If you would like a list of the clubs registered in Poole contact us for an up to date list or visit the ChildcareLink website.
- Contact the club by phone or letter to ask about availability and facilities offered.
- Book a visit to the setting with your child.
- Visit several if possible before you make a decision.
- You will probably be asked for an initial registration fee.
Questions you may wish to ask the out of school club:
- Is the club registered by Ofsted?
- If the club is not registered by Ofsted does it have a nationally recognised Quality Assurance Accreditation?
- How many children attend the club?
- How many staff work at the club?
- What facilities are available for children with special needs?
- What are your current charges and will there be any additional costs for trips, snacks, transport?
- What ages do you cater for?
- What range of activities are available and are children given a choice?
- Do I have to pay if my child does not attend?
- How do you manage unacceptable behaviour?
- Do you provide any snacks or meals?
- Do the children go on outings?
- What transport facilities are available?
- Is the club linked to a school?
- Which schools do you collect from?
- Do you offer part-time childcare?
- Can I see your registration and inspection reports?
Additional contacts:
- 4Children: 020 7512 2100
- Ofsted Helpline: 0845 601 4771
- Localities and Childcare: 01202 261900
- Day Care Trust: 020 7840 3350
- Tax Credit Helpline: 0845 300 3900
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