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Home: Children and families: Parents and carers: Childcare: Information for parents and carers

Choosing an out of school service

Family Information Service - September 2010
fis@kirklees.gov.uk

About choosing an out of school service

What is an out of school service?

Out of school services are for school-age children to provide childcare outside of school hours while parents work. They are usually based in or near schools and staffed by a team of playworkers who will often drop off and pick children up from local schools if the club is not based on a school site. Activities should be planned to help children play and relax with their friends. Children are usually provided with light meals at these sessions which they often help to prepare.
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What are the benefits of an out of school service?

  • Children can relax after school and have fun with their friends.
  • Some groups provide a quiet area for homework.
  • They are geared to the needs of children with working parents.
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What are the different types of out of school service?

  • Breakfast clubs open in the mornings before school
  • After school clubs open in the afternoons between about 3.30pm and 6pm
  • Holiday playschemes open during school holidays between about 8.30am and 6pm
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How do I know my child will be safe and secure?

Out of school clubs are registered and regularly inspected by Ofsted. Checks are carried out on all staff to ensure they are suitable to look after children. At least half of the staff in any club must be qualified. There should be one member of staff for every eight children. In addition the premises are inspected for safety. You can ask to see the clubs latest inspection reports and registration certificate. Many out of school clubs have successfully completed quality assurance awards.
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How many children will there be?

Most provide places for between 12 and 40 children although some are smaller, others larger. No more than 26 children should be in one room.
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What age range of children will be there?

Most children attending out of school services are aged between 4 and 11. Some services provide places for 3-4 year olds to fit around nursery or pre-school education. Some services provide places geared for older children aged 10-14.
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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 8.00am and 6pm.
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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.
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How much will it cost?

You can expect to pay between £55 and £75 per child per week for an after school childcare place and between £75 and £130 per child per week for a place at a holiday playscheme.
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Help with childcare costs

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Contact the Family Information Service (FIS)

The Family Information Service offers free information, advice and guidance for children, young people and their parents or carers on finding and paying for childcare, parenting issues, family activities and organisations that can offer further support.

Texting service

You can text these keywords:
  • childcare
  • parenting
  • activities
  • organisations
  • money
Plus:
  • your name
To this number:
  • 07800 002 431

An information officer will call you back within 6 working days to talk about how we can help you. Standard network charges apply.


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