Planning activities

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Coming up with original play ideas for children using limited resources is not always easy. Consider providing learning and play opportunities for children through a wide range of planned and free play activities both inside and outside including visits and outings. You need to consider how to organise your time, space, staff and resources in order to give children a mix of active times where children can take part in energetic play and quiet times when they can rest and relax in a quiet area.

The level of staff interaction with children needs to be carefully balanced. Children need time to play and learn independently, initiating their own activities and exploring freely, and time for activities which need more support and direction from staff.

You can help children develop their confidence and independence by providing a warm and secure environment where staff:

• are friendly and approachable
• are positive and respectful of children of all backgrounds and abilities
• give encouragement and appropriate praise
• value each child and what they have to offer
• encourage children to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Resources

Looking for something different to do? The following organisations can visit your out of school club to do targeted activities with the children. Best of all, they're free of charge! Please note that Sheffield Out of School Network is not responsible for the activities supplied by the organisations listed below, and does not endorse any particular organisation. It is the responsibility of each after school club to ensure activities are suitable and safe for the children.

Book a fire engine

The South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (www.syfire.org.uk) can bring a Fire Engine to your club for the children to see, and will deliver talks on fire safety. Apply in writing stating what you require (e.g. Fire Engine visit and talk for 10 children aged 5 to 9) and suitable flexible dates - the Service require 21 days notice.
Write to: Community Fire Safety Department, Command Headquarters, Wellington Street, Sheffield, S1 3FG or telephone 0114 272 7202.

Learn some football skills

Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association (www.SheffieldFA.com) have lots of good ideas for improving your (and the kids!) football skills. Depending on the age range and size of your group, the FA can organise five a side matches or teach you fun games to play with the children to improve their ball skills and help them burn off some energy at the same time! There is even advice on getting fit for football covering healthy eating and exercise for the children. Contact Brian Peck, Head of Football Development on 0114 241 4992, e-mail brian.peck@sheffieldfa.com for more information or to request a free taster session. If you are a playleader with a passion for learning more about football let OSN know - we are collecting names with a view to organising a specialist session on football games.

Be at one with nature

The Ranger Service seeks to encourage healthy living, enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of our natural heritage. Services that are particularly relevant to after school clubs include:

• Support to communities and voluntary groups through tool loans, information, advice and training
• Practical projects that improve green spaces for people and wildlife
• Education and interpretation including nature clubs, guided walks and school activity sessions

If you would like a ranger to visit your club to run an activity session on wildlife and the environment call the Ranger Service on 0114 2500500, or e-mail pwc.communities@sheffield.gov.uk . They will put you in touch with the Ranger Team for your area. Be warned - the Rangers are in high demand so be sure to book well in advance!

Internet Resources

There are lots of resources available online to give you ideas for activities.

Baker Ross - the ideas shop. Visit the Baker Ross web site for lots of great value craft materials - send for a catalogue or order online. Even if you don't buy, you will find lots of inspiring ideas. See www.bakerross.co.uk (opens in a new window).

Activity Village has over 2000 free pages of fun for children aged 10 and under. Visit their site at www.activityvillage.co.uk. Try visiting www.primaryresources.co.uk for a wealth of lesson plans and activity sheets on a wide range of topics, or have a look at some simple ideas at York Childcare Ltd. (www.yorkchildcare.co.uk).

There are lots more free resources on the internet - try typing "children's activities" into your search engine and see what shows up!

Have you got an activity or idea that you think would be useful to others? Send it to us at info@osn.org.uk and we'll get it online for others to access.

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