What to look for

^{Choosing a club > What to look for}

How do you choose an out of school club?
You may want to visit the club with your child first. Is there a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and do the children there look happy? What kind of activities are on offer to the children?Are the activities child-led? There are many things you might want to observe and a variety of questions you may want to ask on your visit.

Points to consider

• How many children attend the club?
• Do the children look happy and busy?
• Is the club registered? Ofsted registration and public liability insurance certificates should be displayed, if not you can ask to see them.
• Are the staff friendly and approachable? How do they relate to the children?
• What are the staffing ratios? Are there any volunteers?
• Is there a key worker for each child?
• Do the staff have any childcare qualifications? (At least half of the staff should be qualified).
• Are there planned activities, and are children involved in planning?
• Are the premises secure, warm, clean, light and well ventilated?
• Is there enough space for the children to play?
• Are there enough toys, books and play equipment provided?
• Do the toys and activities take into account the children's ages, cultural backgrounds and any special needs?
• Is there a safe, supervised outdoor play area that is kept secure?
• Does the club have a procedure for school collection?
• Are parents provided with information about the club's policies and procedures, e.g. for outings, medical emergencies etc.
• Speak to other parents whose children attend the club.

Ways to settle your child in at an out of school club

• Visit the club with your child and maybe stay with them the first few times they attend.
• Talk to staff at the club and find out if your child has a key worker.
• Consider whether the activities on offer at the club are of interest to your child and help to get them engaged.

What to do if you are not happy with the club

• Discuss any difficulties with staff at the club as soon as they arise.
• The club should have a complaints procedure which you could follow.
• If you are unable to resolve your difficulties and they relate to the quality of care being provided, you can contact Ofsted's complaints line on 0845 601 4772.

Useful contacts

Children's Information Service (CIS) - Tel 0114 275 6699
For information and guidance on finding childcare and children's services in Sheffield. CIS produces a range of useful factsheets, including one on Children's Rights, these can be viewed on the website: www.sheffieldchildrenfirst.org.uk.

SIGN Information Service - Tel 0114 266 9476
Free information for disabled children and young people and their families. Email: sign@sheffieldcis.f9.co.uk

Ofsted - Helpline 0845 640 4040, Complaints 0845 601 4772
Website www.ofsted.gov.uk

Text taken from factsheet "A guide to out of school clubs" produced by Sheffield Children's Information Service.