Advice on choosing a breakfast club, after school club or holiday scheme
Click here to see a pdf Factsheet for this page that you can print out. School aged children need safe care before and after school and in the holidays right through primary education and often into the first couple of years of secondary education. There are now increasing numbers of breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday schemes. These are usually based on the school premises, youth or community centres. Some nurseries offer after school care too. Choosing childcare is a big step for you and your child. It can be a good idea to take your child with you to see how staff talk to him or her. Try to go when children are there so you can see if they are calm, happy and busy. There are four key things that distinguish good, high-quality childcare, from poor childcare services. Those four key things are: Quality staff - are they trained and/or experienced, and ready to respond to the needs of your child? Good premises - are they clean and safe with plenty of space for your child to play and explore? Stimulating activities - are these planned for your child each day, and supported by good resources, toys and equipment? Welcoming atmosphere - do you and your child feel welcome when you come in?
Top questions to ask
These are all questions that you can put to a senior member of staff if you're considering childcare. If you're unhappy with any answer you receive, try somewhere else.
How long have you been working with children?
What about other members of staff?
How have you learned your job?
Do you have any professional qualifications?
Do you enjoy being with children, and why?
Can I look around the building to see the rooms and outside play space. If there is no outside play space, how will you make sure that my child gets the chance to play outside?
Where will my child rest?
What kind of food and drink will you provide?
What will my child do all day?
What will you do if my child is naughty?
Do you have a policy about this?
Will my child be with a regular group of children?
How old are these other children?
How will their timetable fit in with that of my child?
How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on? Top quality pointers
It is always a good idea to visit an out of school provider if you're considering sending your child to one. When you do, look out for these "quality pointers" - you could add your own to the list as well.
Do the children appear calm, safe and happy?
Do children play and talk together?
Are staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
Are staff members friendly and enthusiastic about their job?
Do the staff members join in with what the children are doing?
Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?
Are the premises clean, well kept and safe for children?
Is there an outside play area?
If there is no outside play area, will children go to parks and other such places regularly?
Do you feel like the staff have given you the opportunity to say what you want for your children?
Do you feel like the staff have listened and understood?
If there are any other issues that you'd like to discuss, do not be afraid to ask. Any good out of school provider will welcome such questions, and staff should be willing and able to answer them. What to do if you're concerned
Out of school childcare providers can be registered with OfSTED and inspected each year, provided they are caring for children eight years of age and under for more than two hours every day. If you have any concerns at all about the quality or integrity of your childcare provider, you can contact the regulating body - OfSTED - on 0845 601 4772. Finding a Nursery
Click here to find a nursery in Southampton - or contact Southampton Children's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833.
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