A to Z of Services - Letters A through Z
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Childcare for School Aged Children after and/or Before School

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Out of school services are open to all school-aged children to play, learn, have fun and relax outside school hours.

After and or before school childcare is usually based in or near schools and more facilities are being set up to help families where parents work. If out of school childcare provides care for children under eight years for over two hours per day it must be registered with Ofsted and regularly inspected.

Out of school clubs 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 often pick children up from local schools. There are different types of out of school services so look around to find one that suits you and your child.

Childminders and some day nurseries also offer out of school childcare.

Procedure

Contact the Childcare Information Service on 08000 345340 who will put you in touch with your nearest out of school club or issue you with details of childminders with vacancies.

Helplines

For details of out of school clubs call the Childcare Information Service on 08000 345340.

If you are interested in setting up an out of school club call Childcare Information Service on 08000 345340 for an information pack. Further support is available from Barnsley Choices - call 01226 775977 or email info@barnsleychoices.co.uk for details.

Charges / Fees

Prices can vary and some schemes will give a discount for brothers or sisters attending. Parents currently claiming working tax credit may be able to get up to 70% of their childcare costs back as tax credit in their wage packet. For further information on tax credit call 0845 300 3900.

Method of Payments Available

Payments are made direct to the out of school club or childminder who will have a contract with the parent/carer.

Opening Times / Locations

Out of school services can open before school, usually at 8am, and care for children after school, usually until about 6pm.

During the school holidays they are likely to be open between 8am and 6pm. Longer hours may be available by negotiation with the childcare provider.

How the customer can help

Work with out of school club/childminder to draw up a contract and to discuss your child's requirements, for example, clothes and dietary requirements.

Leaflets

Call Childcare Information Service on 08000 345340 to request your copy of 'What Childcare?'.

Legislation

Registered childcarers must adhere to the relevant Ofsted National Standards.

Websites

Barnsley Choices
Child Care Information Service

Response Times / Next Steps

After contacting Childcare Information Service your enquiry will be dealt with within one working day.

Out of Hours Procedures

Childcare Information Service helpline is open:

Monday and Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday and Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

There is an answerphone service in operation outside of the above hours.

Additional Notes

It is recommended that parents/carers visit a range of different settings before deciding where to send their child to see what would suit your child best. The 'What Childcare?' booklet gives you a list of questions you should ask potential carers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do children/young people do at an out of school childcare scheme?
A before school club would usually provide breakfast for the children as well as opportunities for the children to play and socialise.
An after school club would usually provide a light snack, space to play or relax, activities suited to the children's age and interests and a quiet area to do homework or read.

How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all you know your child best - look for an out of school service you feel will be suitable for your child. Out of school services registered with OfSTED are 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 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. After the out of school service is registered regular inspections are carried out to ensure a safe and suitable service is being provided. Some out of school services do not currently need to be registered, for example, those which only cater for children aged over eight and some sports facilities.

How many children will there be?
Most out of school services provide places for between 10 and 40 children although some are smaller and others are larger. Childminders usually care for up to 6 children.

What age range of children will be there?
Most children attending out of school services are aged between 5 and 11 years. Some services provide places for 3 and 4 year olds to fit around nursery or pre-school education. Some services provide places geared for older children aged 11 to 14 years.

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. Many childminders offer out of school places and pick up from schools. Some childminders also work evenings and weekends as and when required.

Are out of school childcare schemes registered and inspected?
All facilities that provide care for children aged under 8 years, for more than two hours in any day and for more than five days a year, must be registered with the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED). OfSTED inspect out of school childcare schemes regularly, checking for health and safety and ensuring that the care provided is of an acceptable standard. For example, some of the requirements for out of school childcare schemes are: