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Holiday clubs and after-school activities
Choosing a holiday club or after-school activities for the first time can be overwhelming. There are lots of options provided by schools, sports clubs, leisure centres or community organisations.
What do you choose and how do you know your child will be cared for and have a good time?
Picking holiday programmes and after-school clubs
Holiday activity programmes, holiday clubs or after-school clubs can give children the chance to:
- try new activities like sports, arts, cooking or outdoor games
- make friends and build confidence
- get a healthy meal during the day
Many areas are funded to provide holiday activities for school-aged children and even make them available for free to children who are eligible for free school meals.
If you choose a holiday club that is registered with Ofsted, you may be able to use your tax-free childcare account to pay for it. Please check the Childcare Choices website for more details.
After-school clubs are often run by the school or local organisations. Some may be free, while others are charged.
You can look for activities in your area by:
- visiting your local council website and searching for “holiday activities” or “HAF programme”
- checking your child’s school emails or newsletters
- asking at local community centres, libraries or sports clubs
- searching online for “holiday activities near me” or “after-school clubs near me”
Many host their activities on Playwaze or through the local council websites. There are also programmes hosted by local sport clubs, your school or leisure centres, which you can find through your local family hub.
Before booking, it’s important to feel confident the activity is suitable. You can:
- read the activity details carefully
- consider what age it is for and what the children will be doing
- check if they can support your child’s additional needs or disabilities
- ask about staff training and experience, supervision levels, first aid and safety arrangements
- look for clear information about pickup and drop-off times
If anything isn’t clear, it’s OK to contact the organiser and ask questions.
- talk to your child about what to expect
- let the organisers know about any medical needs, allergies or worries
- pack what they need, like water, weather-appropriate clothes or medication, snacks or food
It’s normal to feel unsure about something new. Take your time, check the details, and trust your instincts. The right activity can give your child a safe, fun place to learn, play and feel part of something during the holidays or after school.
Activity club checklist
Check off each item on this checklist to give yourself confidence that you are choosing the right club for your child.
✓ Activities are suitable for my child
- My child will enjoy the activities and they are the right age and ability to take part.
✓ Staff are qualified
- I have checked the staff are trained to look after children and not just deliver the sport or activity they are providing. I've asked about criminal vetting checks, safeguarding training, first aid, and who my child can talk to if they have a worry.
✓ The environment is clean and safe
- The area is well-kept and secure. I understand what happens in case of rain or heatwaves. My child will have access to clean water, suitable toilets and private changing rooms if needed.
✓ Activities are safe
- The club checks all activities and equipment are safe. There are enough trained staff to watch over the children properly at all times. I understand what happens if my child is injured or there is an emergency.
✓ Reviews are positive
- I have read reviews and asked other parents to see if the club is known for being safe and fun. I have checked social media parent groups, website reviews or local authority websites.
✓ The club is welcoming
- I am happy they can support my child’s interests or any additional needs.
✓ Communication is prioritised
- I know how they will keep me up-to-date on what my child is doing and let me know if anything happens. I know who to talk to if I have a worry or concern.
✓ Consent forms are signed
- The club has asked for my consent for my child to take part in activities, to take their photo, give first aid and who has permission to pick them up or how they get to and from the activity.
✓ The club is registered with an overarching body
- The activity club is registered with an official agency - this could be the national governing body (NGB) of a sport, the local council or Ofsted).
If you’re not happy with any answer, ask for more information or look around for a different club.
Download the checklist to help you choose a good holiday activity club.
More help and advice
We all want children and young people to enjoy taking part in sport – and parents play a key role in that. Find out what else you can do.