After School Clubs

If you are working full days you will need to get cover before and after school hours. The school day is usually between 9am and 3pm - but what then? You could go for a childminder, but they are greatly in demand at this time of day.

Thankfully, more and more out of school clubs are springing up. There are now more than 5,000 around the country. The staff that look after under 8's for over two hours a day will need to be registered with the local authority and regularly inspected. The staff is likely to be made up of a balance of qualified and unqualified playworkers who should all be vetted and police checked.

If you are lucky enough to have an afterschool club near you, your child will be able to play and learn in a safe environment after school. These clubs offer arts, crafts, computer access, sports, drama and music activities amongst their options. Some clubs also have breakfast clubs where children can start their day. Many will run playschemes during the school holidays.

Some clubs are based on school premises, but playworkers will also collect children from other schools in the area.

Costs will vary, but you could expect to pay anything between £15 and £40 per week.

For more information about out of school clubs, look at the Kids Clubs Network website at www.kidsclubs.com, or call their information line on 0207 512 2100.