Out of School Clubs - Quality Assurance Schemes

4 Children - 'Aiming High'

There are several quality assurance schemes for out of school clubs, but the 4 Children (formerly Kids Club Network) scheme - Aiming High - is the scheme most commonly used in Southampton.  

Aiming High was launched in 1995 and is for all out of school groups including breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday playschemes, covering the age range 4-14.  Clubs can undertake Aiming High whether or not they need to be registered under OfSTED. The scheme covers all the standards required by OfSTED and above. Clubs that work only with children aged 8 and over do not need to be registered, but if a club has an Aiming High award parents using it can access childcare tax credit.

The scheme has sixteen quality areas with a standard set describing the best practice for each area.  These quality areas cover such aspects as equal opportunities, positive play opportunities and partnership with parents. 
There are three levels that a club can aim for, with three being the highest. The award needs to be renewed every two years, which gives the club an opportunity to build on their practice.

The process involves the clubs creating a portfolio and carrying out self-assessment. When the clubs judge they are ready they apply for independent assessment. An assessor will look at the club's portfolio and see the practice within the club. They will talk to the staff, children and parents to gain a true picture. The assessor will then agree what level the club will be awarded.  The club will continue to develop their practice over the next two years until the next assessment.

Aiming High has Investors in Children status.