Holiday Playschemes
Download a Factsheet about Choosing a Holiday Play Scheme
Holiday play schemes are specifically open during the school holidays. Their individual open times vary from full time care 8am to 6pm to half days. Not all are open every school holiday.
They are usually based near schools or community centres. More are being set up to help families where one or more of the parents or carers work.
Holiday play schemes 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 they do not have to be registered.
Holiday play schemes are run by playworkers. Playworkers are responsible for planning activities to help children learn, play and relax with their friends. Playworkers will often pick up children from local schools.
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all, you know your child best, so look for a holiday play scheme that you feel is suitable for your child.
Those holiday play schemes 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 holiday play scheme 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.
Holiday play schemes 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 on 0800 169 8833
How many children will there be?
Most holiday play schemes 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 holiday play schemes 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?
Opening times vary a lot some offer full time care and some part time. Contact the provider direct for confirmation before every holiday period. Some clubs only open for a few hours each day.
What about part-time childcare?
Many holiday play schemes 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 £100 per child per week for a holiday play scheme place.
Can you help me to choose a good Holiday Scheme or club?
Although we cannot recommend a particular holiday play scheme, we seek to supply sufficient information to enable you to make an informed decision. We provide lists of holiday play schemes 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 holiday play scheme?
Search our database of holiday play schemes in Southampton click here, or contact the Children and Young People's Information Service free on on 0800 169 8833. To find a childcare provider outside of Southampton, visit http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/ or call 08000 69 02 69.
