After and/or before school childcare
Childcare provided in the time before and after school and during school holidays is called out of school care. There are a number of clubs and schemes that operate in Barnet providing this type of childcare.
If the out of school care is for children under eight years old and it is open for more than two hours in a day, then the club will need to be registered with Ofsted.
For all other schemes, such as those operating for less than two hours a day, or where all the children are over eight years old, there is no requirement to be registered. However, this does not necessarily mean that the standards are any less than those that are registered, just that there is no requirement in law.
Finding out of school childcare
The following are available for parents/carers within the borough:
- Breakfast Clubs List: Updated 24 September 2007
(PDF 100KB) - After Schools Club List: Updated 20 August 2008 (PDF 56KB)
- Holiday Schemes List: Updated 20 August 2008 (PDF 56KB)
- Holiday Activities
You can also search for local childcare on the ChildcareLink website.
You could also ask your children’s school to see if they offer this service.
Breakfast clubs
- These are usually held in a school.
- Often breakfast is available and other activities.
- They operate during term time only
- Generally open from 8am until the start of the school day.
- Breakfast clubs are generally not registered with Ofsted as most operate for less than two hours.
- Fees range from £1 - £3 per session.
After school clubs
- These are held in a range of venues, such as schools and community centres.
- They often serve several schools in the same area
- Often open from the end of the school day offering a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports or games.
- Some clubs will operate a school pick-up service.
- They operate during term time only
- Many stay open until 6pm.
- Fees range from £4 - £5 per session.
Holiday playschemes
- Playschemes can take place in a range of venues such as schools and community centres.
- They offer a variety of activities which can include play, sports, arts and crafts and outings.
- Most operate during the summer holidays, varying from four to six weeks.
- Some groups operate during all school holidays and half terms.
- Barnet Council playschemes run from 9am - 4pm,
- Private playschemes operate the same times, but many also offer wraparound care (i.e. breakfast session and/or extra hours in afternoon).
- Fees will range from £55 up to £120, depending on the care given.
Making a choice
Try to visit some groups with your child and see if you both feel comfortable. You can ask other parents if their children enjoy the club. Ask the club if they are registered with Ofsted and ask to see their Registration Certificate, Inspection Report and Certificate of Insurance (if applicable).
Points to discuss
- Costs and what’s included (food and drinks, etc)
- Number and ages of children attending
- Types of activities available
- The training/qualifications of the staff
- Policies on issues such as outings, bullying and sickness etc.
Have a good look around, see if the premises are clean and well maintained; are activities organised and supervised? Do children there look happy and confident? The club should be open, positive and child-friendly with good facilities for play and separate areas for quieter activities.
Paying for childcare
You may be able to get help towards your childcare costs from Tax Credits. There are other sources of help depending on your circumstances. See Paying for Childcare for more details.
Children, young people and families
