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Out of School Care
Choosing an Out of School Club
Out of school clubs 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 working families.
Out of school clubs must be registered with the Care Commission if they are caring for children for more than two hours a day and more that six days per year. Registered clubs are inspected each 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 where the club is separate from the school.
There are different types of out of school clubs so look around to find one that suits you and your child.
Plus points
- children can learn, relax after school and have fun with their friends
- variety of activities geared to the needs of children with working parents
What are the different types of out of school club?
Breakfast clubs - open in the mornings before school so children can enjoy breakfast there
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
Some clubs are open till 7pm and a few are beginning to extend their opening times, including Saturday opening, to meet the needs of shift workers.
How do parents know their child will be safe and secure?
First of all you know your child best, so look for an out of school club you feel will be suitable for your child. General information on what to look for in a club or information about a specific club can also be obtained from:
Scottish Out of School Care Network (SOSCN)
Floor 9
Fleming House
134 Renfrew Street
Glasgow G3 6ST
Telephone: 0141 331 1301
Registered out of school clubs are checked to make sure the staff are suitable to look after children. It is desirable that some staff hold a relevant qualification or experience. A ratio of 1 member of staff to 8 children is advised, though it is up to the Care Commission as the registering authority to decide what ratios should apply, depending on the ages of the children catered for.
A check is also carried out on the premises of the registered out of school club to ensure it is safe and suitable for children. After the out of school club is registered, an annual inspection is carried out to ensure a safe and suitable service is being provided.
How many children will be there?
Most out of school clubs 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 clubs are aged between 5 and 11. Some clubs provide places for 3 and 4 year olds to fit around nursery or pre-school education. Some services provide places geared for older children aged 10-14.
What about part-time childcare?
Many out of school clubs 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 £40 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.
How do people find an out of school club?
Visit the Scottish Childcare website to find out about the out of school services in your area.
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