Finding premises

^{Running a club > Getting started > Finding premises}

If you are setting up an out of school club that serves a particular school finding premises may seem a simple task. Schools often have a suitable space that can be used for out of school care. This can be a classroom or area no longer in regular use by the school or could be space such as the dining hall that is not in use at the times you will need it. Other options for premises include community centres, church halls, children's centres - researching the options in the local neighbourhood should be relatively simple.

If using school premises is suitable don't forget that keeping the school open outside normal hours may require additional support staff, who will lock and secure the premises once the club has finished for example and will it be necessary to pay the caretaker for extra hours worked?

If you prefer to use another venue or the school is unavailable you will need to consider how children will be collected from the school and taken to the out of school club.

All premises must however meet the requirements set by Ofsted under the Welfare Requirements.

In summary the environment should be warm and welcoming for children, staff and parents. It should be safe and secure, with well organised space and used appropriately to promote children's development. Images and languages appropriate to the local community and cultures and good accessibility for children and adults including those with disabilities all add to the overall welcoming environment. Ofsted provide indepth guidance to the Welfare Requirements - click here for the Ofsted site

In general you need to think about:

Tenure: is buying a property an option; what will be the terms of your rental agreement, lease or license; are any special conditions or restrictions attached; do you understand all the details and implications in the rental agreement, lease or license; do you need to take legal advice before signing up.

Use of premises: are any planning consents needed for change of use before registration; will the club have "sole use" of the premises as defined by Ofsted.

Looking after the premises: who will be responsible for cleaning, repairs and maintenance before, during and after the sessions; is the building generally in good order and well looked after.

Location and access: is access suitable for people with a disability; how will children be collected and taken to the club; will there be easy access for parents to drop off and collect their children; will there be traffic or parking issues for local residents; are the premises convenient for public transport.

What facilities are available: are the premises suitable for people with a disability; are the toilets clean, hygienic and adequate for children and staff; will you be using the kitchen for supervised children's activities; is there an area that can be used as an office; is there sufficient storage space for all your equipment; is there access to a telephone on site, although this could be a mobile phone;

Space: is there adequate space for indoor play according to Ofsted guidelines; can the space be well organised into play, rest and storage areas; is there a secure outdoor play area that you can use.

Security: can the premises and outdoor space be made secure to prevent unwanted visitors and ensure that children stay on the premises; will your equipment, records, staff and children's details be safe and secure within the premises.

Extensive guidance on the required standards for childcare premises is available on the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk. Sheffield Out of School Network can also provide information to help you identify suitable local facilities. Contact the Business Development Team on 0114 249 4941.

Relevant business tools from OSN

Contract of premises use (PDF 35KB)
Once you have found your premises you will need to draw up an agreement with the owner to outline the terms and conditions of their use. Here is a sample contract.

Contract to provide transport (PDF 30KB)
Do you need to transport children to and / or from your club? If you are employing a third party to take care of the transport this contract will come in handy.

Health & safety checklist (PDF 21KB)
What to look for to make sure your premises are up to standard.

Go to the OSN Business Toolkit >