Before and after school clubs

Out of school clubs fit around school hours, providing care and activities and are registered and inspected by Ofsted for children up to eight years. They can also cater for children over eight and voluntarily register with Ofsted on the childcare register.

Out of school clubs are usually based in or near schools and staffed by a team of play workers who will often drop off and pick children up from local schools if the club is not based on a school site. There are three different types of care:

  • Breakfast clubs open in the mornings before school
  • After school clubs open in the afternoons between about 3.30pm and 6pm
  • Holiday play schemes open during school holidays (see below)

Activities should be planned to help children play and relax with their friends.