Out Of School Care

Reading Family Information Service

Out of School Care - includes breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday clubs, please see below to find out more.

Last reiew date June 2024

What are out of school services?

Out of school services are for school age children to play and learn and have fun in groups. They are usually based in schools or nearby in community centres, youth clubs or nurseries. Some of the clubs are organised by the schools themselves but others are run by private providers or local voluntary groups. 

What registration process do they go through?

Out of school services are usually registered with Ofsted if they are providing care for children under eight years of age for more than two hours a day and more than six days a year.

For information on the help available for childcare costs please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk  

What are the different types of out of school service?
  • Breakfast clubs: normally open from 8am until start of school
  • After school clubs: typically open from end of school to early evening 
  • Holiday play clubs: providing full day care and open during the school holidays from about 8am - 6pm 
  • Holiday playschemes: often drop-in with no charge 
Who runs out of school services?

They are usually run by a team of staff, led by a Playleader who must hold a Level 3 childcare qualification. Activities are planned by the playleader on a weekly basis and are designed to help children learn, play and relax with their friends. 

Playworkers will often pick children up from other local schools. 

Most clubs are run by a committee, although some will be run by your local council. They have admission criteria like any other community service and must have at least four members on a committee to operate. 

Are Out of School Services registered with Ofsted?

Out of School services that are registered with Ofsted are checked to make sure the staff are suitable to look after children and are all police checked on commencement of their employment with the group. This check also extends to all committee members. 

At least half of the staff caring for children will require a formal childcare qualification and a check is also done on the premises to ensure it is safe and suitable for the care being provided. 

Most out of school services are able to provide places for between 10 and 40 children, although the size of these groups will obviously depend on the premises and local demand. 

Childcare at these groups can be provided on a full or part-time basis but you may need to book regular sessions to ensure a place is available when you need it. 

How much do out of school services cost?

You can expect to pay:

Breakfast club: from £2.50 to £7 per child

After School Club: from £6 to £15 per child, per session (some will have an early pick up)

Holiday Club: from £22 to £50+ per child per day for a full day

Many offer discounts for siblings.

How do I find an After School Club or Holiday Club in Reading?

After school club search for all the after school clubs in the Reading area.

Holiday club search for all the holiday clubs in the Reading area.

 

Reading Borough Council run one holiday club:

For information about these club, please contact the Reading Play Team, Tel: 07973 741571 or email: reading.play@reading.gov.uk

To find out more about the out of school / holiday club services in your area contact us on 0118 9373777 option 2 - email - fis@reading.gov.uk

Related Advice

Childminders Day Nurseries Childcare Providers Childcare - Frequently Asked Questions

Page last reviewed: 09/11/2023

Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

SEND Local Offer

localoffer@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

Adult & Carers Support

CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
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