Paying for Breakfast Clubs and After School Clubs

For working parents, the cost of childcare can be overwhelming. If you work shift or have to be at the office early, it's often hard to find someone to look after your children before school as well as after school. That's why breakfast and after-school clubs can be so helpful.

Paying for either club is easier than you might think, as they are subsidised by the government and so are cheaper than other forms of childcare would be. A breakfast club place can cost from £1 to £3 every morning, while after-school clubs can be as little as £3 per afternoon, depending on area. Be warned, however, that there are often long waiting lists, although in exceptional cases children may be able to jump the queue.

If you need help paying for a place at a breakfast or after-school club, ask at your children's school. You may be eligible for a free or discounted place, depending on your situation.

What is a Breakfast Club?

Breakfast clubs are usually run by schools, and provide a safe setting in which your child can eat breakfast and participate in supervised activities, which often revolve around homework. Children usually eat together around a table and the club provides a healthy breakfast, which usually consists of cereals, juice, fruit, toast etc.

For the most part, breakfast clubs are for children of parents who have to be at work before school begins in the morning. However, they can be used by children in any circumstance, including those who would not get access to a wholesome breakfast otherwise.

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Benefits of Breakfast Clubs

• Helps children have access to healthy and nutritious meals
• Can increase the number of children who are able to eat breakfast on a regular basis, who wouldn't otherwise
• Saves money as is cheaper form of childcare than paying for morning nanny
• Can help children get guided help with homework, at some clubs
• Encourages kids to arrive at school on time, and provide before-school childcare
• Can help teach importance of food hygiene

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What is an After-School Club?

An after-school club is a place where children can be looked after when the school day is over, usually until 6pm. After-school clubs are usually located on the premises of a school, although sometimes they are held elsewhere. Often, children will be escorted by qualified playscheme workers from their school to the club, if located in a different area or at a different school.

After-school clubs are usually for primary school-age children. They are provided with healthy snacks and take part in fun activities, including games, sports, arts and crafts etc. In some cases, they can also get help with their homework at the club.

Benefits of After-School Clubs

• Provides a safe, stimulating environment while parents are at work
• Is an affordable way to get quality childcare for less money
• Allows kids to play with others of different ages
• Has supervision constantly as well as fun activities
• Regular places offer children security

Breakfast clubs and after-school clubs provide working parents with the security of knowing their children are being looked after at a reasonable cost. Ask at your children's school to see what exists in your area.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Working Parent Support Checker lets you see what financial support a working parent could be entitled to, from free childcare hours and tax-free childcare to Child Benefit and Universal Credit help. Try it now →