After school club for 3/4 YO

[Afterschoolclubworries]

Dear MNs

The independent school we're looking at does afterschool clubs but they're hired to an outside agency. Limited number of kids. I think it's limited to 15.

I'm very worried. They've asked us to start our 3 YO to the nursery attached from this September. And DH agrees so that he can get some used to the school environment before reception. But I'm not sure and I want to delay by 1 year so that he starts school/ reception in September 2025. Even if he starts next year, I am worried about what would happen as ASC is not an organised group and they just let children do whatever they want.

DC currently goes to a nursery all 5 days but is around his age group.

The school's ASC has children from all ages. I just feel he'll be sad and lost and lonely.

In my area it's extremely difficult to hire a AS nanny. The only other option would be to reduce my hours and work from 8-3 as I work full time in a consulting firm.

Does anyone have experience of sending their LO to the ASC and they being fine ? Or is it harsh? I am so confused. Please share your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks.

Maybe keep him in nursery for another year? he will get used to the school environment in reception. That’s what reception is for! Don’t cut down on your career for lack of wraparound. The private school will always recommend he moves there earlier but he will be fine starting in reception.

Don’t cut down on your career for lack of wraparound.

I guess. But what's the alternative. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I'm looking into childcare.co.uk for options regularly. I've told the school that I intend to send only next year. They've put him on a waiting list.

Still waiting for some responses to say whether ASC is okay for a 4 year old ?

My DD loves after school club which she started in reception but I wouldn’t have sent her to it at 3, I don’t really think most wraparound provision is suited to children so young. I’m sure it would have been fine in the sense of not actively bad, but ultimately we decided she was better off staying at private nursery until starting Reception due to staffing ratios, familiarity with the staff, more free flow outdoor time and being able to stay in one environment for the full day.

Do all ASC just have the responsibility to do nothing more than look after the children? I understand how a organised activity for a 4 year old and 10 year old can be stressful.