Out of School Childcare – Providers Information

Introduction

This page contains helpful resources, links and updates designed especially for Out of School Childcare (OOSC) providers in Somerset, including breakfast, holiday and after school care clubs and playschemes.

Information will be updated regularly and will include any important news from Ofsted and details of any upcoming Network Meetings.

Somerset Play Forum

All children have the right to play (article 31 UN Convention on The Rights of the Child), and play is absolutely crucial for a child’s development, social skills and health. Playwork is a highly skilled profession that enriches and enhances children’s play. It takes place where adults support children’s play, but it is not driven by prescribed education or care outcomes. Reflective practice and maintaining up-to-date knowledge are encouraged.

We work in partnership with Somerset Play Forum to offer Network meetings which will include workshops, skills-based learning and guest speakers along with an annual play conference.

Providers

OOSC providers should also consult the Information for Early Years Providers and Supporting your Early Years Business pages for additional information.

Out of School Childcare providers (OOSC) in Somerset include breakfast, holiday and after school care clubs and playschemes. These services can be provided by the private, voluntary and independent sectors including school governors, trustees, committees, owners and registered childminders.

Out of school childcare providers are currently supported by our Early Years Officers.

All Ofsted registered Childcare providers must meet requirements, either the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or Requirements for the Childcare Register, or sometimes both, depending on the age and stage of development of children in attendance.

This page should be used in conjunction with the other Somerset Early Years webpages, links to which can be found on this page. Useful external websites can be found on the Useful webpages and subscriptions document and should be used to support your practice and Continuing Professional Development.

Out of School Alliance

The Out of School Alliance (OOSA) provides information and support to individuals and organisations setting up and running out of school clubs, including breakfast clubs, after school clubs, holiday clubs and playschemes.

There’s more information on the Out of School Alliance website.