Out of Schools Clubs

About out of schools clubs

Out of schools clubs can either be before or after schools starts and can also take place outside of the school's term time.

Breakfast clubs

Breakfast clubs run before school. Parents or carers drop children off at the club and staff take the children to school. Many breakfast clubs will offer breakfast and children can participate in a range of activities.

After school clubs

After school clubs run straight after school. Some clubs will pick up children from school and take them to the club. Many after school clubs offer a snack, and usually offer play and sports activities as well as quiet places for children to relax or complete homework.

Holiday clubs or playschemes

Holiday clubs or playschemes operate during the school holidays. Many offer play opportunities, sports activities and trips out as well as quiet places for children to relax. Out of school clubs can be run by the Council, schools, private companies or voluntary organisations.

Out of school registration

If the club is open to children aged eight and under, offers more than two hours of care and is not just activity based (such as a sports club), it will be registered with Ofsted. This means that the club will be checked to ensure that staff are appropriately trained and qualified and that the premises are suitable and safe. Some clubs will come under the school registration if on the school premises and run by the school.

Paying for an out of school club

Fees will vary and depend on the number of days your child attends.

Registered out of school clubs can be registered for the Tax Free Childcare scheme and families qualifying for Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits may also be able claim help with childcare costs. Visit our Paying for Childcare pages for more information.

When to apply for an out of school club

For breakfast and after school clubs, we advise you start looking as soon as you know which school your child will attend or if your childcare needs change. Remember that childminders can also offer before and after school care.

For holiday schemes, bookings usually open a few weeks before the start of the school holiday. We advise you start looking as soon as you know you will require childcare during holidays. Some childminders may also offer care during school holidays only.

Would you like more help?

For more information and advice on out of school clubs, complete our Online Enquiry Form [External Link] or call us on 020 8770 6000 and we will be happy to talk through the options with you.