Articles

Staffing & Qualifications

Insights into recruiting the right talent, fostering professional development, and making sure your team has the right qualifications to deliver an outstanding performance.

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Ofsted

Your one-stop destination for understanding the regulatory body responsible for inspecting a range of educational institutions in the UK. Here, you’ll find the resources you need to meet and exceed Ofsted’s standards and expectations.

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Billing Suite

Simple tools and resources to help you create and send invoices without the hassle, so your club always has the funds it needs to run smoothly and successfully.

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Bookings

How to manage bookings in an efficient, streamlined way.

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Activities & Ideas

Nurture creativity with these activities and ideas designed to spark innovation and excitement in your projects. From team-building activities to projects, you’re in the right place.

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Premises & Equipment

From choosing the right physical spaces to the proper maintenance and use of various types of equipment, we’ve got you covered. Find out how to create environments that foster productivity and well-being, and choose the right equipment for your space.

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Safety

From adherence to Ofsted safety regulations to the cultivation of safe practices, these are resources and tips to aid compliance with the necessary guidelines.

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Management & Regulations

A comprehensive source for guidance on governance, compliance, policy implementation, and operational oversight. Tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of managing your organisation whilst adhering to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

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Education

All things relating to learning, teaching and curriculum development. Enhance educational experiences, promote innovative teaching methods, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

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All Articles

Alternative & Creative After School Activities & Ideas

After school clubs can be a great way to enrich a child’s day by helping them learn key life skills, boost their confidence, or get them active! After school activities can also forge lifelong positive traits in a child to help them to have better discipline as well as time management skills and team skills. Looking for after school club ideas? You’re in the right place.

Fun Kids’ Afternoon Tea Ideas

You don’t get much more British than an Afternoon Tea! And why ask the kids to wait till they are adults to enjoy this fun activity. Organising an afternoon tea at your after school club or daycare is a great activity to get them excited about coming to your club.

Easy & Fun Fundraising Ideas For Kids

Although there are many fundraising ideas you can do exclusively for the parents and local residents, choosing kid-friendly events to involve the children can help you bond with their families. Some of these fundraising ideas are great for any time of year, and some are fun stall ideas for fetes or local gatherings in your home town.

After School Club Resources to Follow

The best after school clubs give their kids a chance to explore new things, meet new children and gain confidence. As an after school program doesn’t have to meet certain learning criteria that are required during regular school hours, you can be creative when finding ways to enhance their development and inspire them in new ways.

Encouraging child initiated play

For young children, play isn’t just a fun activity, it’s a critical learning experience! With 80% of brain development completed at three years old and up to 90% at five, play is the foundation of this development.

Heuristic Play - Resources, Benefits, and Top Tips

Everyone knows that play is central to children’s learning. Play comes in a variety of forms including but not limited to physical, constructive, social and imaginative. Heuristic play is a type of physical play that babies and toddlers can enjoy daily. It is an investigative model of playing for young children, and is both enjoyable and meaningful.

Implementing "In-the-Moment Planning" in Education Settings

So you’re in the process of planning your after school club or school holiday program and you’ve decided the best way to foster creativity, independence and tenacity is through child initiated learning. But, what next? How do you get started implementing it, and how can you set up your educators for success?

Childminder or Nursery - Make The Best Choice For Your Child

Being a parent is a full-time job, but not all parents have the luxury of spending all day with their kids. They may have work to do, an appointment, or simply wish for some time to relax. In these cases, it’s common to find a childcare provider, who can take care of your children for you.

Seamless Booking Management with Kids Club HQ

Apart from supporting working parents by providing reliable childcare options, Out of School clubs provide essential care and enrichment activities for children outside school hours. These extracurricular activities allow children to explore new interests, develop essential life skills, and form long-lasting friendships.

4 Steps to Ensure Registering with Ofsted goes smoothly

In England, the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates services that care for children and young people. If you plan to start an Out of School club or similar childcare service, understanding and fulfilling the [registration requirements ](https://www.kidsclubhq.com/do-I-have-to-register-my-out-of-school-club-with-ofsted/#eng)with Ofsted is an essential first step. This article explores the process and criteria for registration, providing clear guidance to help you meet these important standards.

Ofsted Inspection - What to Expect? How to Prepare?

An Ofsted inspection can be a daunting prospect, but with careful planning and preparation, it's an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of your education or childcare setting. This article will guide you through what to expect during an Ofsted inspection and offer practical tips on how to prepare.

Are you exempt from Ofsted Registration?

The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) plays a pivotal role in the supervision and regulation of childcare providers in England. It sets rigorous standards for early years providers and out of school clubs, maintaining a level of quality and safety that parents can trust.

Understanding Ofsted Suitability Checks

The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) ensures that any individual involved in the care or education of children in England meets rigorous suitability standards. These measures, known as suitability checks, are an integral part of the Ofsted registration process and continue throughout an establishment's operation. This article delves into the specifics of these checks, their importance, and how to navigate them

How to Get Your Staffing Ratios Right

While out of school clubs have become an essential part of the community for many families in England, ensuring adequate and appropriate staffing for your club can sometimes pose a little bit of a challenge. Hiring the right staff is a significant aspect of providing safe and effective services at your club.

Staff Qualifications for Your Out of School Club

Out of School clubs are essential for many families, offering childcare solutions outside of regular school hours and during school holidays. However, the quality of care and the experiences that children have in these settings are greatly influenced by the qualifications, skills, and competencies of the staff involved. In this article, we explore the necessary qualifications required for the staff at your club and the importance of professional development in this sector.

Training Staff at Your Out of School Club: A Comprehensive Guide

When running an Out of School Club, it's crucial to understand the qualifications and training required for your staff. Not only do these qualifications ensure the safety and well-being of the children under your care, but they also uphold the standards set by regulatory bodies such as Ofsted. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of staff training essentials for your Out of School Club.

How to Hire the right staff

Operating an Out of School Club necessitates assembling a team of individuals who are both passionate about enriching children's lives and committed to upholding the highest standards of safety. Hiring the right people for your club and conducting safe recruitment are critical steps in this process. This article outlines how to ensure the recruitment process is thorough, fair, and safe.

Evaluating Premises for Out of School Clubs

Selecting the ideal premises for your Out Of School club is about more than just location; it's *about creating a nurturing and safe environment.* An ideal space should exude warmth and welcome, ensuring easy accessibility for kids, staff, and parents alike.

The Emotional Impact of Space: How the Design and Layout of Club Premises Influence Early Childhood Development

For those running out of school clubs, the choice of premises goes beyond mere location. It's about crafting a space that embodies warmth, safety, and an inviting atmosphere for children, staff, and parents. As we aim to align with the standards set by the Early Years Register, it's crucial to recognise that Ofsted evaluates not just the quality of care but also the appropriateness of the venue.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Start an Out of School Club

Embarking on the adventure of starting an out of school club can be a rewarding journey. It’s not just about giving kids exciting activities to dive into after the school bell rings; it’s about creating a vibrant community hub that brings a sense of togetherness and joy. If you’re passionate about making a difference but are working with a tight budget, don’t worry! Here are a few tips to help you kickstart your club, proving that big hearts—and not big budgets—make all the difference in crafting a space where children can thrive, explore, and belong.

A Guide to Ensuring Safety During Collection at Out of School Clubs

Ensuring the safety of children is our top priority in out of school clubs. A crucial aspect of this responsibility is the careful management of children’s arrival and collection. Whether it's the start of a fun-filled day at a breakfast club or the joyous end of an afternoon at an after-school club, having effective systems in place is essential to guarantee the well-being of every child under our care.

AI and After School Clubs: A New Era of Learning and Engagement

Have you ever thought about how the tools we use to learn and play are changing? Just like how everyone chats about smartphones and computers, there’s a new topic on the block: Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s a big deal in the tech world, and now, it’s starting to make its way into education and learning. This article aims to give you a brief introduction to AI and how you can use it in your classroom or childcare business.

The Great Outdoors: Unlocking the Potential of Outdoor Learning and Play

In a world where early education is increasingly recognising the importance of holistic development, outdoor learning stands out as a vital component. It’s not just an extension of the classroom but a fundamental aspect of modern education. Outdoor learning is a key part of early education, moving beyond the classroom to embrace the natural world. It’s about combining play, physical activity, and hands-on discovery to support every part of a child’s growth. This method enriches learning by connecting children to their environment, encouraging active exploration, and fostering a sense of wonder.

How to Resolve Conflict Between Staff

Tension & Conflict are common in any workplace, so conflicts can arise from time to time at your club. These conflicts, however minor, can disrupt the harmony and morale of the team. Therefore addressing them promptly and effectively is essential to maintaining a positive environment for both staff and children.

How to Resolve Conflict Between Staff and Parents

Conflicts cannot cease to exist, they are an integral part of what makes us human and dealing with conflicts is an important part of our emotional and moral growth. However, these tensions can disrupt the smooth functioning of your club and negatively impact the children’s experiences. Addressing them effectively can help to maintain a positive and co-operative atmosphere.

How to Manage Out of School Club Registers & Attendance Records

Managing daily registers and attendance records at your out of school club is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in your care. In the UK, Ofsted requirements make maintaining accurate and up-to-date records essential. After talking to multiple club owners and some of our customers, we have realised what a troublemaker keeping records can be.

Engaging Parents Through Social Media Marketing

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for marketing your out of school club. Engaging with prospective parents through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can significantly boost your club’s visibility and attract new members. However, simply having a presence on these platforms is not enough. You need a strategic approach to make the most of your social media efforts.

Implementing Health & Hygiene Practices at your Wraparound Care Provision

Maintaining a healthy and clean environment is a crucial part of safeguarding for those working in childcare settings. When you’re responsible for the well-being of children, implementing effective health protocols can make all the difference in preventing the spread of illness and ensuring that everyone stays healthy. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies for conducting health checks and promoting good hygiene practices in your club.