Childcare post 11 years

[nellyjelly]

DD goes to an afterschool club locally but it ends when she is 11. There are no other options locally. She is only 6 so am thinking ahead but what do you do if you work? Would child minders look after this age group?

[gamerwidow]

I think after 11 they're usually expect to fend for themselves for the few hours before and after school.

[nellyjelly]

Is 11 appropriate? I really have no idea and can't imagine DD walking home and letting herself in at 11. What age do others let their DCs do this?

[gamerwidow]

I think it depends like anything on the child. At this age most children will be at secondary school and getting public transport to school by themselves so its not too much of a stretch to expect them to be unattended for a few hours before and after school.
I guess some childminders might be happy to let an 11/12 year old come to them after school for a few hours but they couldn't pick up and drop off because it wouldn't fit in with the primary school runs.

[EcoLady]

My DD starts secondary this Sept and she will be going straight home from the bus for 2 hours of peace and quiet to do her homework and chill before the rest of us get home.

[nellyjelly]

Ok thanks. Useful comments.

[InMySpareTime]

DS lets himself in and stays on his own after school for around an hour. He's 10 (going into Y6, done it since start of Y5).
You may find your DC has after school activities anyway so it will be a moot point.