Parents in Touch - out of school care

Out of school care

What is Out of School Care?

Out of School Care is a childcare facility that offers sessional care - usually before and after school hours or in school holidays.

Breakfast clubs open in the morning before school and usually include a healthy breakfast for the children.
After school clubs are generally.open in the afternoons between about 3pm and 6pm
Holiday play schemes - open during school holidays between about 8.30am and 6pm

They offer your child a safe, stimulating place in which to play, do homework or read quietly, or take part in activities and crafts. They often offer holiday care too. Out of school clubs are not open access - children must be registered with the group and be collected by parents/carers. They are often based in school premises, youth centres or community centres

Why do they have to be registered?

Out of school clubs are required to register with Ofsted to meet the National Standards. The standards relate to their suitability as carers of children, the staff, the safety of the premises and facilities, insurance and record keeping.
Parents should not assume that all carers have been subject to police checks. Supervisors and Officers in Charge will, but assistant staff may not necessarily be. Their certificates of registration and public liability insurance should always be displayed. They are regularly inspected by Ofsted and inspection reports will be on the internet at www.ofsted.gov.uk Some out-of-school care does not need to be registered with OFSTED, for example, those that only cater for children over the age of eight.

Aims of Out of School Clubs

The aim is to help children develop their full potential through positive, social, emotional, physical and intellectual experiences. This is achieved through:

high standards of childcare in which there is provision for parents and carers to participate in the planning of the scheme, so that all feel a sense of adequacy and fulfilment.
a stable, secure and relaxed environment where parents and carers feel satisfied to leave their children.
Recognition and respect for values deriving from different racial, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds.
Children's individual needs e.g. disabilities and gender, should also be reflected in the service

School Collection

Many out of school clubs will collect children from local schools. This procedure for school collection will be agreed and known to the parents, children, scheme staff and school staff.

Staffing and equipment

The staffing ratio is one adult to every eight children, with a minimum of two staff at any one time. Adequate materials for play must be provided. Equipment must be maintained to a good standard and is subject to inspection.
Equipment and materials should be in sufficient supply for the number of children attending or likely to attend. It should include materials for art, collage, sport and games, dressing up, music, jigsaws, construction toys and craft.

Visits and Outings

These are likely to add to the children's interest and enjoyment. This applies particularly to Holiday Clubs, but Out of School Clubs may also wish to arrange occasional visits to local facilities. The arrangements for transporting children need to be carefully planned, and where necessary additional people recruited to ensure safety. This is particularly important where children with disabilities are concerned. There must be agreed arrangements for obtaining parental permission in writing for outings and visits. The use of consent forms is recommended.

Information the club will want from you

You will be asked to complete a registration form giving details of your child, any illnesses or allergies, where you can be contacted etc., and any information that will help your child to settle. You should be given information about the group.

Questions to ask when visiting any child care centre

The education and information site for parents

Out of school care