If you want your child to be cared for in a group setting with children of a similar age then an Out of School Club may be for you.

There are different types of Out of School Clubs offering childcare before and/or after school and also during the school holidays.

They are ideal if:

• You cannot collect your child from school at the end of each day, and want a safe place for them to enjoy a range of sports and creative activities with children of a similar age.
• Your child wants a place to play and have fun with friends after school.
• You want older children to be supervised by adults. Some clubs offer homework facilities.

Activities should be varied according to the facilities available but could include arts and crafts, cooking, outdoor activities, music, computer games, video’s.

• After School Clubs – open in the afternoon usually between 3.30pm and 6.00pm.
• Breakfast Clubs – open before school so children usually attend from around 8.00am.
• Holiday Clubs – open during holidays and occasionally on INSET days from 8.00am until 6.00pm.
• Holiday Playschemes – usually open during the longer school holidays such as Easter and the Summer. Special events and outings often feature in their activities.

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Out of School Clubs that are registered with Ofsted undergo regular inspections to check that they continue to provide a safe and suitable service.

If the club only cares for children over the age of 8, or meets for less than 2 hours a day then they are not required to register. However, many clubs use the National Standards set out by Ofsted as a guide by which to run their setting.

Others whether registered or unregistered may also hold or be working towards a quality assurance award which exceeds Ofsted National Standards for out of school provision.

Most Out of School Clubs provide places for approximately 20 to 30 children although the number of places available depends on a number of factors including how much space is available for children to play, the number of toilets etc.

The manager and deputy manager should have relevant childcare experience and qualifications to at least Level 3 in Childcare and Education. They would also be expected to hold or be working towards a recognised playwork qualification which is aimed at those who are working with school aged children.

At least half of the remaining staff should also have Level 2 in Childcare and Education or equivalent.

All the staff will also have had a criminal record check through the Criminal Records Bureau and the person in charge will also have undergone a health clearance.

A required ratio of 1 member of staff to eight children is stipulated in the National Standards. If the club is registered, the Certificate of Registration details how many children it is registered to take and the ages of the children.

You may also find there are a number of trainees or students in the nursery. These are ‘extra’ staff and should not be included as ‘staff’ when calculating ratios.

Most children attending out of school clubs are aged between 5 and 11 years although some clubs also provide places for three and four year olds to fit around nursery or pre-school education.

Some services provide places geared towards older children for example aged 10 to 14, and sometimes for children right up to 16 years of age with special needs.

First of all you know your child best - look for an Out of School Club you feel will be suitable for your child. Will your child be able to cope in another large group at the beginning or end of the day?

• Will your child have space and quiet time to complete their homework if they want to?
• Are you happy with how your child will travel from school to the club. Will they be walking or will transport such as a car or minibus be used?

When you visit Out of School Clubs, look for these Quality Pointers. You could add your own as well.

• Are there a variety of activities that would appeal to your child such as arts and crafts, outdoor activities, music, computer games and videos?
• Do the other children appear to be happy, content and are actively engaged with what they are doing?
• Do the staff have a friendly relationship with the children?
• Is the setting safe, well lit and maintained to a good standard of hygiene?
• Is there a comfortable area where children can relax?
• Are there books and equipment that represent and promote different cultures in a positive way?

• How many children attend and how old are they?
• What qualifications/experience do the staff have?
• Do you cater for children with special needs/diets?
• What hours and days do you operate?
• How much do you charge?
• Which schools do you collect from?
• What ages are catered for?
• What are the kinds of activities you offer? Do they vary?
• How do you deal with any cases of bad behaviour/incidences of bullying?
• Do you provide snacks/meals and do the children have a choice in what they are offered?
• Do the children go on outings? Is there an additional charge for this?
• Is there a waiting list?

The charges vary from club to club although in the Wakefield District you could expect to pay anything from £25.00 to £45.00 per child, per week for before and after school care and between £50 and £90 in the school holidays.

If you have more than one child attending, ask whether the club may offer a reduction for the second child. Also ask about deposits or whether the club makes any additional charges for meals or outings.

When you have decided which club you wish to care for your child(ren), make sure you have a written contract stating the costs and outlining exactly what is included, for example, snacks or meals, arrangements for sickness and holidays. How much notice is required for termination by either party.

Most clubs will probably have lots of experience in settling children. If you have any worries or concerns make sure you discuss these with your provider and then make a plan between you how you are going to introduce your child to the setting. Your child may be upset at first – this is only natural but suggest having a trial period. After this time you can assess whether your child is happy and make further plans if you need to.

Many parents have to make arrangements at short notice however, the more time you have, the better. A gradual settling in process is easier for everyone. If your child is still very young consider staying with your child for a short session, then use another short session when you are not present.

Contact Wakefield District Children’s Information Service for a list of Out of School Clubs and Holiday Clubs in your area.

This is only a guide. In the end you must be your own judge of what is best for you and your child. However, if you have any concerns there are a number of organisations who may be able to help:

• Wakefield District Sure Start Partnership
  Childcare Development Team
  Telephone: 01924 305630
  Address: Room 213, Chantry House, 123 Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 1ZS

  The Childcare Development Team support out of school clubs in the Wakefield Metropolitan District to ensure the quality of the childcare provided and that they are meeting the national standards. If you want to discuss any aspect or concern of your care please contact the development team.

• Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
  Telephone: 0845 601 4772
  Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk
  Address: North East Regional Centre, 1st & 4th Floors, Stockdale House, Headingley Office Park, Victoria Road, Leeds, LS6 1WA

  Ofsted is the authorised body who register and inspect out of school clubs for children under eight. Ofsted also deal with complaints that any parent may have about their childcare provider. They will look into complaints or other information which give them reason to believe an out of school club is not meeting the National Standards or other requirements. Ofsted also take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

Contact us for information on registered childcare, play and education provision in the Wakefield District. We also hold information on working in childcare and training courses.