Before and after school clubs?

mae

Does anyone when when this new practice of schools providing before and after school clubs as compulsary is coming into force?

My daughters school is excellent but at the moment they do not have a before school club. They do have an after school club but when I just enquired about it I was told it is full. I only needed it one night a week and now I'm stuck.

Jet

I don't know the answer to your question - and in fact didn't know that it will be compulsory for every school to have a before and after club.

But, I certainly think it's a good idea.

I know the government did talk about a "childcare place for every child that needs one".

I think lack of good quality childcare is what stops a lot of parents from working.

super41

Get your child's name down ASAP as another child may leave at anytime. My DD has been on the waiting list for our local before and after school club since February. We got one day by Septemeber but stil waiting for the other. Fortunately another Club has recently opened and she goes there, however I'm not happy that she has to go to 2 places so still got her name on the original list.

I don't know about this compulsory thing for schools, but, (just my opinion), I prefer that my DD goes somewhere else as I think 8-6pm at school wuld be a very long day for a young child, especially if the emphasis was on learning or structured play. At the clubs she goes to they can basically do what they like and its relaxation, though they do help with homework if necessary.

Have you tried local nurseries? They often have such clubs attached.

hoopie_2

i think it is by 2010, but i know many primary schools and some secondary schools already have schemes in place.

it's a great idea, isn't it?

Savvy_Sue

In theory it's a great idea, but unless the government throws a GREAT deal of money at the scheme it's doomed in the longer term ...

I've helped set up two out of school clubs and both of them have struggled to get the numbers in to make them viable long term. In fact both closed after a few years.

It's all very well saying "Every school must have one", but with staff costs and everything else it's not easy to make them financially viable.

mae

Thanks for all your replies.

The problem I will have if I look for other after schools clubs is getting her there? The one that is linked to her school pick them up at school and take them over the road.

Katgoddess

More info here:

http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/ete/extendedschools/

Have a look on your local council's website for "extended services".

Savvy_Sue

mae wrote: »

The problem I will have if I look for other after schools clubs is getting her there? The one that is linked to her school pick them up at school and take them over the road.

It is worth asking at others, because they may either have or be considering arrangements to pick children up from elsewhere. At both the clubs I was involved with we knew they would not be viable for just the nearest school so we were offering a pickup service (which was a complete nightmare but that's another story!) And one family made arrangements for a child to be brought to us by a friend, because the club was full at the school she attended.

dangers

Have you thought about a childminder?
They may be able to do both before and after school and they are usually available during the school holidays as well if you need those.
Ask at your school, or contact your local Childrens Information Service.

Rachie_B

My youngest ( age 5 yr 1) goes to an ASC 2-3 times a week.
It's very good and he loves going !

They currently dont have a breakfast club but have started a holiday scheme due to high demand ! ( i didnt use it as can take him to work with me ,but i wouldnt hesitate to use if i needed to)

Before he started going i too would have said its too long a day "in school"

but in reality he loves it ! and its not as if they are still doing lessons lol

he has so much fun there! they do lots of outdoor activities,games,table top activities,trips,cooking ,PC games ,assistance with homework etc

basically they can do as much / little as they want

no different to being at home lol

System

my daughters school talked about setting one up but it never got off the ground ,another school has set one up and have a walking bus to get the kids to their respective schools on a morning and back to the club after school. i