After and - or before school childcare
After and or before school childcare includes childminding, Breakfast, After School and Holiday Clubs for school age children, which are usually based in or near schools.
Out of school services can be registered with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) and inspected each year. They are run outside school hours by a team of staff usually called play workers.
Activities should be planned to help children learn, play and relax with their friends. Play workers will sometimes pick children up from local schools. There are different types of out of school services so look around to find one that best suits you and your child.
Benefits of out of school clubs and services:
- Children can learn, relax after school and have fun with their friends
- They are geared to the needs of children with working parents
What are the different types of out of school service?
- Breakfast clubs [open in the mornings before school lessons start]
- After-school clubs [open in the afternoons between approximately 3.30pm and 5.30pm]
- Holiday play schemes [open during school holidays. Opening times will depend on the clubs. Some are open all day, while others are open for half day [please note that if a club runs for two hours or more per day, for five or more days in a year, and takes children aged under eight years old, then it must be registered with CSSIW]
- Out of school services are also sometimes called kids' clubs.
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
As you know your child best, look for an out of school service you feel will be most suitable for your child. Some out of school services need to be registered with CSSIW and checked to make sure 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, 1 – 8 depending on the ages of the children catered for. A check is also done on the premises of the out of school service to ensure it is safe and suitable for children. Once the out of school service is registered, the premises are inspected every 2 years to ensure a safe and suitable service is being provided. Some out of school services do not currently need to be registered e.g. those that only cater for children aged over eight. You can ask any out of school service if they are registered.
How many children will there be?
Most out of school services provide places for between ten and 40 children although some are smaller and others are larger.
What age range of children will be there?
Most children attending out of school services are aged between five and 11. Some services provide places for three and four year olds to fit around nursery or pre-school education. Some services provide places geared for older children aged 10-14.
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 at other times (please check with your club.)
How much will it cost?
You can expect to pay:
- Between £2.50 and £4.50 per child per session for an after-school childcare place
- Between £13 and £22 per day [or between £6.50 and £12.50 per session per child] for a place at a holiday playscheme.
To search for After and – or before school childcare in your area, visit Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Early Years and Family Support Services website www.earlyyearsrct.co.uk or
Contact Us
Telephone: 0800 180 4151
Email: fis@rctcbc.gov.uk
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Content authorised by: Education
Last revised on: 20/10/2009