After School Clubs

After School Clubs are for school-age children to play and learn and have fun in groups. After School Clubs are specifically open after school and will usually collect your child from school and take them to the After School Club. 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. 

After School Clubs 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

After School 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. 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 an After School Club that you feel is suitable for your child. Those After School 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 Club 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.

After School 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's Information Service on 0800 169 8833. 

How many children will there be?
Most After School Clubs 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 After School Clubs 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?
After School Clubs generally open after school until about 6 p.m.  

What about part-time childcare?
Many After 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 about £40 per child per week for an after-school childcare place. 

Can you help me to choose a good out-of-school club? 
Although we cannot recommend a particular out of school club, the Children's Information Service (CIS) seek to supply sufficient information to enable you to make an informed decision. The CIS can provide lists of out-of-school providers in Southampton and information on how to choose. The CIS can also 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 an After School Club?
Click here to go to a searchable database of childcare in Southampton, or call the Children's information Service free on 0800 169 8833. For childcare outside of Souhampton, go to www.childcarelink.gov.uk or cal 08000 96 02 96.