Out of school services are for school-age children to play and learn and have fun in groups. They are usually based in or near schools and more are being set up to help families where parents work.
Out of school services can be registered with OFSTED provided they are caring for children aged under 8 years of age for more than two hours a day and more than 6 days a year. They are run outside school hours by a team of staff, usually called playworkers. Activities should be planned to help children learn, play and relax with their friends. Playworkers will often pick children up from local schools.
There are different types of out of school services, so look around tofind one that suits you and your child.
Plus points
What are the different types of out of school service?
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all you know your child best – look for an out of school service you feel will be suitable for your child.
Out of school services registered with Ofsted are checked to make sure the staff are suitable to look after children. At least half of them must hold a level 2 qualification appropriate for the care and development of children and there are rules on the ratio of staff to children depending on the ages of the children catered for.
A check is also done on the premises of the registered out of school service to ensure it is safe and suitable for children. After the out of school service is registered, regular inspections are carried out to ensure a safe and suitable service is being provided. All registered providers must operate using the national standards for under 8s day care.
Some out of school services do not currently need to be registered, for example, those which only cater for children aged over eight. You can ask if they are registered.
How many children will there be?
Most out of school services provide places for between 10 and 40 children although some are smaller and others are larger.
What age range of children will be there?
Most children attending out of school services are aged between 5 and 11.
Some services provide places for three and four year olds to fit around nursery or pre-school education. Some services provide places geared for older children aged 10–14, and sometimes children 15 to 16 with special needs.
When will services be open?
Out of school services can open before school and care for children after school until about 6pm. During the school holidays they are likely to be open between 8.30am and 6pm.
What about part-time childcare?
Many out of school services will be
happy to offer you part-time childcare.
You may need to book regular sessions to make sure a place is available when you
need it.
How much will it cost?
You can expect to pay between £15 and £50 per child per week for an after school childcare place and between £35 and £90 per child per week for a place at a holiday playscheme. However, these are average costs and charges will vary. Many clubs fund-raise to keep fees at a very reasonable rate, others offer reductions for siblings or lone parents.
How do I find an out of school service?
Talk to your local Children’s Information Service (CIS) to find out more about the out of school services in your area. The ChildcareLink freephone service will provide details of your local CIS on 08000 960296.
Copies of this factsheet can be
obtained from:
© DfES Publications
PO Box 5050
Annesley
Nottingham NG15 0DJ
Tel: 0845 60 222 60
Fax: 0845 60 333 60
Textphone: 0845 60 555 60
E-mail: dfes@prolog.uk.com
Please quote ref: CCL2R
© Crown copyright 2004
Produced by Sure Start
This information is available in alternative formats
and is free of charge from the ChildcareLink website
and ChildcareLink information line:
Freephone and Textphone 08000 960296
Visit www.Childcarelink.gov.uk
Extracts from this document may be reproduced for non-commercial
or training purposes on the condition that the source is acknowledged.
PPCHER/D16/PUB030303/0704/34
Further information on the Government’s work-life balance campaign
can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/work-lifebalance