What would YOU like to see in an after school club?

[domesticsluttery]

I have an interview next week for a job running the after-school childcare club at a local primary school.

I want to wow the interview panel (which includes the school Head and Deputy Head) with my plans for how I am going to turn around the club, which currently suffers from lack of structure.

So, within the obvious constraints of a limited budget, what sort of things would you like to see a child of yours doing in an after school club? Would you like to see structure, with activities planned which have specific learning aims, or would you prefer for children to have more "down time" playing computer games or watching DVDs? Or maybe a balance of both? Would you like the children to have a say in what they do, with activities planned around their suggestions and interests?

Also for any teachers reading, would you like to see the after school club at your school be an extension of the learning that they do in the classroom or do you think they should just be able to relax?

I would be really grateful for any ideas that I can put into my "action plan" for the club.

Thanks grendel

southeastra: would you rather that the whole 2 hour session was free play then?

ASC DS goes to is extremly child-led and excellent. They have free play until 4pm when snack is offered (never forced). Snack usually, wrap, muffin pizzas, pitta bread and always fruit on offer. Fillings are cheese, tuna, egg, salad. (not always all at once). The children often make the snack, eg the pizzas once a week.

Afterwards there is a game offered - dodge ball being the favourite, or soft play, outdoor play for those who want to. There is computuer and wii everyday and a board where dc's sign their name by a 15 minute slot.

There is no pressure for the children. There are always arts and craft activities offered alongside the 'organised' activity, also board games etc are out.

They have a 1/2 termly 'topic' and the children all brainstorm with the staff what activities they would like to be included.

'you could mention this helps encourage independent choices, compromise, time management etc'

Good luck.

ps - I doubt that if you mentioned you asked and this is what parents have said etc and your plans for development of the club,it would go against you

argh i'm trying to help you op!

and yes should be completely free play. google play types.

I know you are, I wasn't being funny about it I am genuinely interested in what parents are looking for.

I do know how important free play is. At the nursery school where I work the session is split into slots of free play and organised activity, and I am just trying to work out whether that same idea will transfer to an older age range.

Currently there is no structure there, and this leads to everyone playing computer games all the time. I know that some of the parents and school staff members aren't happy with that.

What I need to work out is where to strike the balance between chaos and prison camp!

The problem with free play SEA is the way it is interpreted by many under-trained people.

Of course, they should have excellent equipment, enough adults to galvanise choice and activity, circulated and planned 'stations' with different things out each day, sports equipment and outdoor equipment.

But mostly, free play isn't 'free' because they don't have any of these things: ASCs have a table or two, a box of tiny crafty gewgaws, a few useless toys and a broken table football table. Oh - and a TV and computer. And some very crap and torn books. And because these are usually the only activities on offer with some sullen teenagers picking their spots 'leading' things, the play is not 'free' at all...

it's hard because ofstead are looking for early years for under 8s and once they're over 8 they can do what they want in essence

it's mad - really do look into playwork, \link{http://www.meynellgames.org.uk/training.htm\this site is good} ofstead know all about playwork

free play costs nothing wilf

You mean like this kind of thing?

Yes, it costs nothing, once you have the right environment. Free play is NOT the same as warehousing which channels kids into TV and computers.

sorry just typed you a really long msg and have managed to lose it aagh and little one just woke back later

I would like the staff to be caring and engaged with the children. I've never used before or after school club - DS is shy and clingy and I'd need to know he would feel comfortable and able to talk to the staff - the staff at our school clubs don't give me that impression. They just plonk out the activities and sit around, from what I've seen.

I like what MrTedHughes said.
Too much structure is very bad.
A variety of snacks offered, and no food zeal.
DS1 refused to ever attend our local holiday club after one time when they insisted that he eat a piece of apple. He really doesn't like apple :). The same club has a toddler group that DS3 attends and sometimes DS3 (very fussy tot) won't eat anything (only fruit offered).

My other 2 DC are fruit fiends, btw, but making children eat it is a very bad idea.

Thanks for all your ideas.

I think I am still going to suggest a loose timetable for the sessions.

3.30 - 4.00: Come in, have a chat and get settled, have a snack (a choice of food, including fruit and protein and carbs, with encouragement to try different things but nobody being forced to eat something that they don't like).

4.00 - 4.30: a planned activity running. Ideas for activities inspired by children's suggestions. Nobody forced to join in, if someone really doesn't want to then the other member of staff can do something else with them. Different activities on different days, including craft (things like making big wall displays), music (some kind of karaoke maybe?), sports and physical activity (different things, including parachute play, skipping, dance, dodgeball etc), cooking, trips to the park etc. Where possible activities to take place outside.

4.30 - 5.30: Completely free choice. Different areas set up for different activities, eg craft table (so that those who want to go glittery can), board games, outside activities, reading corner etc. TV available one or two nights a week, Wii available one or two nights a week. Children encouraged, but not forced, to try different things. Activities available changed from night to night so that they don't become "stale". Activities also balanced with what after school clubs some children have been to until 4.30 on the nights that they are on, for example children who have been sat for an hour in craft club might want more opportunity to run off some steam, whereas children who have been in hockey or football club until 4.30 might appreciate the chance to chill out a bit. Snacks obviously available at 4.30 for children coming in then after other activities.

How does that sound?

sounds fab - best of luck

Phew - thank you.

Only one other member of staff, with potentially 16 children. Which does limit options, for example if some children don't want to do the planned activity they will take away the other member of staff as they will need supervision in what they are doing. So I need to make the activities really appealing

I am fairly used to planning out activities at the nursery school where I work, with a ratio of 1 adult to every 6 children, so it isn't too daunting. The main difference is the diverse age range, at nursery school the class is for ages 2.5 - 4, at the ASC it will be 4-11.

I was actually thinking of drawing up a sample plan for a fortnight and taking it to my interview, do you think that that would be a bit OTT?

Split into different age groups.

Go outside if weather good, skipping, football, running, tig, hulahooping.

In gym hall- basketball

Let DCs write name on a list to take turns on Wii.

Go on day trips during the holidays eg seaside, museums or invite a guest in eg circus skills, street dance.

Have lots of toys but try to avoid lots of pink/gender specific plastic tat.

Make it good value.

Do some fundraising and issue a newsletter for parents.

No the plan isn't OTT, it shows your skills, ICT, organising, imagination, your dedication to getting it right for the DC's.

Just remember when you go in with the plan to say, 'after consultation with a variety of parents with children this age, this is a plan incorporating what 'everyone' wants. I would put it inot action in the club and then review it after a month and make adjustments/ developments as needed'.

Shows your flexible to others ideas, a team player (theres no 'I' in team helpful quote!) and want the best outcome for parents and children alike.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread.

I had the interview yesterday and got the job!

Well done you!!

Congratulations! From following the thread last week (didn't contribute as my dd's still very little), I think you sound fab!