After-school clubs

School-aged children need safe care after school and during school holidays, right through the primary years and often into the first couple of years of secondary education.

There are a growing number of after-school clubs - sometimes called Kids' Clubs - in the UK. These are usually based in school premises, youth or community centres. Some nurseries offer after school care too. Wherever the location, a child carer or play worker collects the children from school and takes them to the after-school club.

The child is signed in, and signed out again when collected by a parent or named carer. The pick-up time is usually 6pm, and some offer breakfast club facilities from 8am for parents who start work before school hours. Holiday clubs are run in the school holidays, often by the same organisation, and offer extra activities and days out. Both are regulated and inspected by OfSTED.

Ideal if:

• you cannot collect your child from school, and want a safe place for them to enjoy a range of activities with children of a similar age
• your child wants a place to play and have fun with friends after school
• you have older children who require supervision by adults. Some clubs offer facilities and support for homework.
  

Not so suitable if:

• you need more flexible hours - you usually have to pick up your child by 6pm. Also, there may be limited after-school care in your area
• you have a young child who gets so tired after a whole day at school that they're desperate not to socialise with other children
• you have a child who finds mixed-age groups hard to handle.
  

Always check:

• staffing levels, ratio of staff to children, and safety records. Are children well-supervised during sporting activities, and can they take part in activities which need to be supervised closely? If so, do they have an expert in that activity teaching or supervising?
• how rigorous the signing in and out process is, especially for older children who may have ideas about doing their own thing
• how far in advance you have to book - holiday clubs are often heavily over-subscribed. You may have to put your name on a waiting list for an after-school club, and commit to the days you want in advance.
  

Questions to ask:

• what activities are planned for the children?
  Who is in charge and what are their qualifications and experience? Arrange to meet them
• do younger children have a separate area so they are not overwhelmed by the older ones?
• is there a quiet area where all children can go to relax?
• do after-school clubs provide a snack or a tea? Do holiday clubs provide food, or is the child expected to bring a packed lunch?
• how many staff are qualified in first aid?
• how will they contact you in an emergency?
• check their records and procedures.