Out of school care (OSC), also known as after school care (ASC), is the provision of a safe, caring environment offering a range of active, stimulating and restful activities for school age children before and after school and during holidays. After school care enables parents to take up employment, education and training opportunities.

Out of school care schemes take parental responsibility for the children in their care. OSC services must register with the Care Commission and all workers should go through a police check.

OSC services may start between 7.30 and 8.00am to provide childcare before the start of the school day. This type of service usually consists of a breakfast club which provides children with breakfast. Services will then operate from the end of the school day until 5.30 or 6.00pm.

During school holidays (Easter, Summer, Christmas etc) many clubs operate all day (usually from 8.00am to 6.00pm). Some also operate during teacher training or in-service days, polling days and half-term holidays.

A "mixed economy" of OSC services has developed over recent years. The majority of clubs are run by voluntary organisations using parent management or advisory groups, but a growing number of clubs are now setting up as a community businesses. Some out of school care services are run by local authorities and health authorities. Out of school care clubs are based in a varity of premises including schools, community centres, church halls, nurseries etc.

Other features of OSC services include:

• provision of meals/snacks as appropriate
• supervised collection of children at the end of the day by a parent/guardian or a named adult
• parental involvement in the management and policy development of services

How much should it cost?

Fees for OSC services vary depending upon the funding source, opening hours, service offered, etc. Parents on low-income can access tax breaks (Child Care Tax Credit) to ease payment of fees. Some services offer discounts for second or further children from the saem family.

What are the benefits of OSC?

For children OSC provides:

• safety and security with care provided by experienced, trained and qualified staff
• a range of activities and play equipment all different from, but complementary to, the school curriculum
• the opportunity to socialise and play with other children

• support to enable them to take up work, education or training opportunities
• peace of mind, knowing that their children will be well cared for, and therefore greater effectiveness at work
• the opportunity to become involved in the planning and running of the club through involvement in the management committee or parent's advisory group

Thus, by providing a service which meets the needs of children, OSC also contributes to economic and community development, to the quality of life and families and has a major part to play in the promotion of "social inclusion".

The Scottish Out of School Care Network welcomes enquiries from those seeking more detailed information.