Out of School Clubs
What is an Out of School Club?
An Out of School Club is a childcare facility that offers
sessional care - usually before and after school hours. They offer
your child a safe, stimulating place in which to play or take part
in activities and crafts. They often offer holiday care too. The
clubs are not open access so the children must be registered
with the group and be collected by parents/carers.
Why do they have to be
registered?
Out of school clubs are required to register with Ofsted to meet
the National Standards. The standards relate to their suitability
as carers of children, the safety of premises and facilities,
insurance and record keeping.
Parents should not assume that all carers have been subject to
police checks. Supervisors and Officers in Charge will, but
assistant staff may not necessarily be. Their certificates of
registration and public liability insurance should always be on
display. They are regularly inspected by Ofsted and inspection
reports will be on the internet at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/
Benefits of using Out of School
Clubs
The aim is to help children develop their full potential through
positive, social, emotional, physical and intellectual
experiences:
By providing a stable, secure and relaxed environment where
parents and carers feel satisfied to leave their children.
By maintaining high standards of childcare in which there is
provision for parents and carers to participate in the planning of
the scheme, so that all feel a sense of adequacy and
fulfillment.
The values deriving from different backgrounds of racial,
cultural, religious and linguistic should be recognised and
respected.
Children's individual needs e.g. disabilities and gender, should
also be reflected in the service.
What happens at the club?
The clubs aim to provide a safe, friendly and secure environment
where a variety of activities are offered including arts, crafts,
games, sport and drama. The children are also given the opportunity
to relax or read in a "quiet" area.
School Collection
The scheme needs to have a procedure for school collection that
is agreed and known to the parents, children, scheme staff and
school staff.
Staffing Ratios
The staffing ratio is one adult to every eight children, with a
minimum of two staff at any one time.
Equipment
Adequate materials for play must be provided. Equipment must be
maintained to a good standard and is subject to inspection.
Equipment and materials should be in sufficient supply for the
number of children attending or likely to attend. It should include
materials for art, collage, sport and games, dressing up, music,
jigsaws, construction toys and craft and the club must ensure there
are a wide variety of age appropriate play equipment.
Visits and Outings
These are likely to add to the children's interest and
enjoyment. This applies particularly to Holiday Clubs, but Out of
School Clubs may also wish to arrange occasional visits to local
facilities. The arrangements for transporting children need to be
carefully planned, and where necessary additional people recruited
to ensure safety. This is particularly important where children
with disabilities are concerned. There must be agreed arrangements
for obtaining parental permission in writing prior to undertaking
any visits or outings.
The use of consent forms is recommended.
Information the club will want from
you
You will be asked to complete a registration form giving details
of your child, any illnesses or allergies, where you can be
contacted etc, and any information that will help your child to
settle. You should be given information about the group.
What if you're not happy about
things at the club?
If you are not happy about things at the group, discuss any
difficulties and follow the group's complaints procedure. If you
are still unable to resolve your difficulties and they relate to
the quality of care, contact: Ofsted on 0300123 1234 or http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/
Where can I find a Club in Knowsley?
Details of Before and After School Clubs and Holiday Clubs are
listed on the website, alternatively contact the Knowsley Childcare
Information Service - see details below.
