Breakfast Clubs
Download a Factsheet about Choosing a Breakfast Club
Out of school services are for school-age children to play and learn and have fun in groups. Breakfast Clubs are specifically open early in the morning before school starts so children can enjoy a good breakfast. Children will be taken to school. They are usually based in or near schools. More are being set up to help families where one or more of the parents or carers work.
Out of school services can be registered with OfSTED and inspected each year, provided they are caring for children eight years of age and under for more than two hours every day. If they run for under 2 hours or only care for older children they do not have to be registered. All staff also have to have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, and gradually, all registered childcare will have to be registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
Breakfast Clubs are run by a team of staff, usually called playworkers. Playworkers are responsible for planning activities to help children learn, play and relax with their friends.
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all, you know your child best, so look for a Breakfast Club that you feel is suitable for your child.
Those Breakfast Clubs that are registered with OfSTED are checked to make sure that the staff are suitable to look after children. At least half of them must be trained, and there are rules on the ratio of staff to children depending upon the ages of the children catered for. You should ask to see their certificate of registration as this will tell you the ages and number of children they can care for and approved hours of opening.
A check on the premises is also carried out prior to registration to make sure that it is a safe and suitable environment for children. After the out of school service is registered an annual inspection is carried out to make sure that it is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service. Always ask the service if they are OfSTED registered.
Breakfast Clubs that cater only for those children aged eight or over, schemes which run for two hours or less per day, Holiday clubs (which run for five or fewer days each year) may NOT be registered. To check if a provider in Southampton is registered you can contact the Southampton Children and Young People's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833.
How many children will there be?
Most out of school services provide places for between 10 and 70 children, although some services are smaller and some are larger. The number they may care for is shown on their Registration Certificate.
What age range of children will be there?
Most children attending out of school services are aged between four and 11 years of age. The age range of children they may care for is shown on their Registration Certificate.
When will services be open?
Breakfast Clubs can open before school from about 7.30am/8am until the start of school.
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 about £10 - £15 per child per week for a breakfast club place.
Can you help me to choose a good Breakfast Club?
Although we cannot recommend a particular Club, we seek to supply sufficient information to enable you to make an informed decision. We provide lists of Breakfast Clubs in Southampton and information on how to choose. We can advise you on the types of childcare that may be appropriate for your lifestyle or individual needs. However, it is your responsibility, as parent or carer, to choose the most suitable childcare for your circumstances. It is important to visit one or two settings before you make a decision.
Where can I find a Breakfast Club?
Search our database of childcare in Southampton, or call the Children and Young People's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833. For childcare outside of Southampton go to http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/ or call 08000 96 02 96.
