Frequently Asked Questions

(Out of School)

The list below provides answers to the most common questions of parents and carers looking for out of school care for their child:

• What are the different types of out of school services?
• How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
• How many children will there be?
• What age range of children will be there?
• When will services be open?
• What about part-time childcare?
• How much will it cost?
• Can you help me to choose a good out-of-school?
• Finding childcare by school

What are the different types of out of school service?

There are many different types of out of school services, so look around for one that suits you and your child. What you will find will probably fall into one of three categories:

• Breakfast Clubs - these specifically open early in the morning before school starts so children can enjoy a good breakfast
   
• After-school Clubs - these are generally open in the afternoon, after school finishes, between 3.30pm and 6pm
   
• Holiday Play Schemes - these are generally open during school holidays between about 8am and 6pm
   
• Holiday "clubs" - these generally open for a few weeks in differing school holidays

How do I know my child will be safe and secure?

First of all - you know your child best, so look for an out of school service that you feel is suitable for your child.

If you'd like more help in making this decision, visit the Advice on choosing an out of school service page.

Those out of school services that are registered with OFSTED (Children Services) 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.

• Services 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

Always ask the service if they are OFSTED registered.

Read about the National Standards childminders are expected to meet - please note that this is a large pdf file (253 kb.)

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 4 and 11 years of age. The age range of children they may care for is shown on their registration certificate.

Some Out of School services in Croydon provide places for four year olds to 14 year old (16 years for children with special needs) to fit around the school day.

When will services be open?

Out of school services can open before school and care for children after school until about 6pm. During the school holidays they are likely to be open between 8am and 6pm. Their approved times of opening will be indicated on their registration certificate.

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 £25 and £40 per child per week for an after-school childcare place, and between £50 and £90 per week for a place at a holiday play scheme. Holiday "clubs" may have only a nominal charge.

Can you help me to choose a good out-of-school?

Although we cannot recommend particular out of school club, we seek to supply sufficient information to enable you to make an informed decision. We provide lists of registered out-of-school providers in Croydon 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.

For more information on tips and pointers to choosing quality out of school childcare services, visit the Advice on choosing an out of school service page. It is important to visit one or two settings before you make a decision.

If you'd like to search to find Out of School services in the Croydon area, visit the Finding Childcare by School  page, and follow the simple instructions. If you are looking for these services in other areas visit the Childcarelink website.

Alternatively, contact Croydon Children's Information Service, who maintain a comprehensive list of out of school services in the Croydon area - we're here to help.

Back to Out of School Childcare

Wednesday, 8 October, 2008

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