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Breakfast clubs provide childcare for children in a safe and supervised environment before the start of the school day.
- Who runs them?
- Where does the childcare take place?
- What hours to 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?
- Further reading
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?
Normally on the school site but it may be in a nearby hall.
What hours do they open?
This will vary, some start at 7.30am, others at 7.45am or later and will finish when school day starts.
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 £2.50 to £6.50 per session depending on the length of time the club is open and if food is provided.
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.
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 to10 is recommended where possible.
Will they have any checks?
Staff will 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.
However, if they are on the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register then the requirement is one person with a minimum of level 2 in a relevant area of work or one person with training in the common core of skills and knowledge.
How can you apply for a place?
You can apply for a place by contacting the breakfast club directly.
You can search for clubs in your area in our Childcare finder by entering your postcode or location and filtering the results by the childcare type; Breakfast or after school club.
