Working in childcare

Working in an Out of School Club

What is the job all about?

After school clubs, breakfast clubs and holiday clubs offer play and care for children aged between 3 - 14 years. Many clubs are based in the local school, while others can be located in village halls, community centres or day nurseries.

As a playworker in one of these clubs, you will be working as part of a team setting up spaces where children can get involved in original and interesting activities. You could be doing anything from joining in their games, to helping with homework, supervising and participating in art / craft activities, games and physical play or escorting children to and from school.

Many clubs will have children of all ages, which means you will need to be very adept at meeting a wide range of needs. The role of the playworker is to ensure that children and young people have the chance to play and socialise, choosing exciting activities for themselves in a safe and caring environment.

What are the opportunities for you?

The aim of the club organiser is to set up a calm, informal setting where children can ‘relax' after school and have the chance to play and be in the company of their peers.

Helping to create a relaxed, welcoming environment and playing your part in providing a fun, safe, friendly club can be extremely satisfying.

What qualifications will you need?

The minimum staffing ratio is 1:8 children in an out of school club, and staff must have a minimum level 2 qualification from the Care Council for Wales' current list of Accepted Qualifications for the Early Years and Childcare Workforce in Wales or Skills Active's Integrated Qualification Framework for Playwork.

As a trainee, you would start off working in a supervisory role as an Assistant Playworker working towards a level 2 qualification in Playwork. You could then progress to a managerial or supervisory position with a level 3 qualification. You could also decide to study for a degree in Playwork or Youth Work.

Any out of school club caring for children under 8 years old for more than two hours a day must be registered with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.

Clubs with children between 8 and 14 years do not need to be registered with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.

Further information sources:

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs (opens in a new tab)

Play Wales (opens in a new tab)

Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) (opens in a new tab)

Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) (opens in a new tab)

Careers Wales (opens in a new tab)

Pembrokeshire College (opens in a new tab)