Find registered childcare near you
After School Clubs provide childcare for children in a safe and supervised environment at the end of the school day.
- Who runs them?
- Where does the childcare take place?
- What hours do they open?
- How old are the children they look after?
- What is the average fee?
- What is the ratio of staff to children?
- Will they have any checks?
- Do they have any training?
- How can I apply for a place?
Who runs them?
It depends on how they are set up; they could be run directly by the school, a private company or a voluntary organisation.
Where does the childcare take place?
It can be in any type of venue including a school hall, classroom, local church hall, scout hut or leisure centre. Some clubs will also pick up from other schools, or they may have an agreement to walk the children over from the school to the after-school club.
What hours do they open?
Usually, they open from the end of the school day and finish around 5.30pm to 6pm.
How old are the children they look after?
Most will take children from the age of 4 to 12 years, but this is different for each club as it will usually depend on the age of the school they are based in or near to.
What is the average fee?
The average fee in Surrey is usually between £10 to £19 per session depending on the length of time the club is open and if food is provided. Some clubs will offer concessions for siblings.
If the club is registered with Ofsted, you can check whether you may be eligible for help with childcare costs via the Childcare Choices website or by using the Childcare Calculator. These can give you an estimate of how much you could get depending on your family circumstances.
You can also find details of support available to help with childcare costs on our Paying for childcare web page.
What is the ratio of staff to children?
This will depend on the age of the children. For children aged from 3 years up to the age of 8 years should have a 1 to 8 ratio. For children aged 8 years and older the ratio differs but a 1 to 10 is recommended where possible.
Will they have any checks?
Staff must have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to make sure they are suitable to work with children and young people. The provider must follow their safer recruitment policy.
Do they have any training?
Staff should hold certificates in first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding/child protection. If they are registered on the Ofsted Early Years Register the manager should hold a minimum of a level 3 in a relevant qualification, and 50% of the rest of the staff should hold a minimum of a level 2 in a relevant qualification.
If a childcare provider is on the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register then the requirement is one person with a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to childcare or training in the common core of skills and knowledge. If they are required to be on the Ofsted compulsory register, then they need to ensure they have received sufficient training to complete the role.
How can you apply for a place?
You can apply for a place by contacting the after-school club directly.
You can search for details of after-school clubs in your area in our Childcare Finder.
