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 www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted 
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 fulfilment.
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 0300 123 1231
Where can I find a Club in Tameside?
Details of Before and After School Clubs and Holiday Clubs are listed on the Online Childcare Finder, alternatively contact the Tameside Families Information Service - see details below.
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Family Information Service (FIS)
St Peter’s Children’s Centre
Trafalgar Square
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL7 0LL
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