Choosing childcare once children have started school poses new sets of challenges for parents. It's particularly difficult if parents are working / in training, or if you have children who are school age or pre-school age. This guide aims to explain the different types of childcare available for school-aged children, and provides links and tips to help you choose a childcare setting.

Take a look at the 'Choosing quality childcare' page for more details on how childcare settings are measured for quality. 

To find childcare settings in Shropshire use the Family Information Directory – FIDy, or ring the Family Information Service on 01743 254 400.

Out-of-school and holiday clubs

Out-of-school (before and after school) clubs are for school-age children to play and learn, and have fun in groups. After-school club staff will usually collect your child from school and take them to the club, which is usually based on or near the school site.

Clubs are registered with Ofsted and inspected each year if they care for children eight years of age and under, for more than two hours every day. If they run for under two hours they don't have to be registered.

Holiday clubs are normally for school-aged children, allowing parents to continue to work or train during the school holidays. The type of service and the age of children attending will determine whether the provision is registered with Ofsted.

The Family Information Service is the best place to find out if there's an afterschool club near or at your school. Alternatively, you can ask at your child’s school.

You can also use the Family Information Service to find holiday clubs to suit your needs, or use the Family Information Directory.