What happens childcare-wise when kids get to 11??

[Onestepatatime]

i work part time so that i can get dd from school or from friends house after school. But I need to start working full time again when she starts secondary school. But most afterschool / childcare seems to just be for primary school-age kids. What do people do when their kids start secondary school? Do you let 11 year olds come back from school & stay home alone till parents get home from work? In our case that could be 2-3 hours alone, which seems a bit much at 11??

Well I still have them at that age (I'm a C/Mer)

Yes I'd have that age too - would be great at entertaining the younger ones!

Last year I had 3 11 year olds during the summer holiday I have a 13 year old boy, who I love having, he is such a gorgeous kid, loves the babies and is a boon to have (apart from being a fussy eater, but if he wont eat what I have cooked for lunch, he has to go and make his own sandwiches )

Dd's never had a c/m, it would seem a bit odd to get one at 11, wouldn't it...??

My 13 year old hadnt, his mum works 9-3 so dosnt need me for term time, but comes in holidays and inset.

I'm a childminder and have taken on new minded children at age 10-12 but usually that age-group have been with me from an earlier age. One just moved up to secondary school and has changed childminder to one nearer her new school. Her mum made that decision because although she felt her child was mature & sensible enough to be trusted alone she felt the benefits of having an adult around were worth hanging onto a bit longer. So when she does start letting her go home alone it will be for 1 day a week initially, on a trial basis. I like this approach, rather than having a whole week of coming home to an empty house straight away.

Some childminders only look after younger children but some of us relish the variety & challenges of planning for differing age-groups. Its lovely to have a proper conversation too! Some of my older mindees have been able to share their skills (eg playing an instrument or football) with the younger ones and some like to help me plan menus, activities & shopping lists (for toys, not food!).

With a childminder they'll have someone to talk to, play games with, have help with their homework (if they need it) and you won't have the worry of whether they forgot their key/have invited half the school round/have left the cooker on etc.

I know parents who have decided their child is mature enough at 10 to walk home alone, for example with one child the next door neighbour is always in to ask for help or in an emergency. But its really up to you, only you can decide whats best for your dd.

my son is 11
i do have children of that age in my care but most high schools offer homework clubs were children can do their homework, play on p.c 's etc
my sons school also offers a breakfast club serving bacon buttys

breakfast club is 8-9am and after school club is 3.30-5.30pm
the clubs are free you just pay for their food

i would worry more in the holiday time