Breakfast Clubs

As well as offering childcare, Breakfast Clubs provide children with a healthy start to the day in a safe environment. They are open in the morning before school, and the majority are based on school sites. Clubs operating in community venues use staff to escort children safely to school.

After School Clubs

After school clubs provide childcare for children and young people aged between 4 and 14 (some cater for children from specific age groups within this range). They operate from a variety of locations, including school premises and community centres. They usually operate between 3pm and 6pm during term time. You may wish to ask the club how they manage the pick ups from schools, as some may charge extra to cover this.

The majority of after school clubs are registered with OfSTED. If a club is open for over 2 hours and caters for children under 8, they must be registered with OfSTED and are subject to an annual inspection. All clubs are run by experienced and committed staff, often from the local community.  At least half the staff must have a formal qualification in childcare or playwork, the most common being an NVQ in Playwork.

Holiday Playschemes

Holiday playschemes offer childcare during the school holidays and are available at lots of venues across Bath and North East Somerset.

Quality Assurance

Clubs in Bath and North East Somerset have been encouraged to undertake a quality assurance scheme called Flying High. You may wish to check if the club has one. Clubs registered with OfSTED have their quality assured through their OfSTED inspection.

Other Childcare Options

Some parents and carers choose local childminders, who also offer childcare out of school hours and can collect from school. Childminders costs can vary. If you are a working parent or carer, and you are paying more than £10 per week for childcare, you may be eligible for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.

Some parents and carers of older children and young people choose from a range of after school activities provided by schools, including art, drama, music and sports. Although these activities are not 'childcare', some parents find them a good option for older children and young people. Contact your school for more information about the activities they offer.