School aged children need safe care before and after school right through primary education and often into the first couple of years of secondary education. There are now increasing numbers of after school clubs sometimes called Kids Clubs-in the UK. These are usually based on the school premises, youth or community centres.

Some nurseries offer after school care too. A play worker may collect the children from school and take them to the after school club, some nurseries expect parents to arrange this transport. The child is signed in and out when collected. The afterschool clubs are open from 3.00pm-6.00pm (check list as some may vary) and some offer breakfast club facilities from 8am-9am for parents who need to start work before school hours.

Choosing childcare is a big step for you and your child. Ask about opening hours, price, and age of children and if there is a space for your child. It can be a good idea to take your child with you to see how staff talk to him or her. Try to go when children are there so you can see if they are calm, happy and busy.

What to ask for?

Here are some suggested questions to ask when you visit. Add your own questions as well:

  1. How long have you been working with children?
  2. Have you undertake any training for your job? Any qualification?
  3. Does your setting have a safeguarding policy in place?
  4. Do you enjoy being with children and why?
  5. Can I look around the building to see the rooms and outside play space? If there is no outside play space- how will you make sure my child gets the chance to play outside?
  6. Where will my child rest?
  7. What kind of food and drink will you give?
  8. What will my child do all day?
  9. How do you encourage good behaviour?
  10. How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on?
  11. Will my child be with a regular group of children?
     How old are they?
     How will their timetable fit in with my child?

What to look for?

When you visit possible childcare options, look for these quality pointers. You could add your own as well.

  1. Are the children calm, safe and happy?
  2. Do children play and talk together?
  3. Are the staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
  4. Are the staff friendly and proud of their work?
  5. Are the staff joining in with what the children are doing?
  6. Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play? Can children plan some of these themselves?
  7. Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?
  8. Are the premises clean, well kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)?
  9. Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?
  10. If there are other things you want to know, do not be afraid to ask. Good childcare staff expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them.

Top tips

  • Always take up references. You could ask for names of other parents to talk to about your chosen service.
  • Listen to your child and find out more if he or she seems unhappy.
  • Always trust your own feelings about your childcare - you know your child best.

How much does a breakfast and after school club cost?

Breakfast and After School clubs usually cost from £5-£9 for each session. Private after school club costs may differ.

Child Tax Credits

  • This is for families with at least one child. It is made up of the following elements:
  • A family element that is payable to any family responsible for a child. It is paid at a higher rate to families with at least one child under the age of one. This is known as the baby element.
  • A child element for each child you are responsible for. This is paid at a higher rate if the child has a disability and at an enhanced rate for a child with a severe disability. This is known as the disabled child element.
  • The child care element of the working tax credit is worth up to 80% of you child care cost up to £135 for one child £200 for two or more children.

Tax Credit helpline

Telephone: 0845 300 3900

Inland Revenue Web site

Note: When claiming costs for assistance with childcare costs please note that only registered childcare is eligible.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, Waltham Forest'sFamily Information Service cannot accept any responsibility of liability for any errors. We strongly recommend that you check the details with each provider. As we offer an impartial service we cannot recommend or endorse any of the childcare providers listed.

  • When you have chosen your Breakfast and After School Club it is important to negotiate and confirm contractual agreement with them to ensure that arrangements for your child's care are clearly agreed.
  • The Breakfast and After School Club list is fully updated fortnightly.
  • You may view Breakfast and After School Club inspection reports at OFSTED or contact the Breakfast and After School Club directly. If you experience any difficulties obtaining a report we will endeavour to get it for you.

For further information and guidance and for copies of the list,  please contact us at the address below.

Contact us

Waltham Forest Family Information Service
PO Box 416
Silver Birch House
Uplands Business Park
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow, E17 5SD

Tel 020 8496 3000
Fax 020 8496 3599

Email wfcis@walthamforest.gov.uk