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Breakfast clubs provide childcare for children in a safe and supervised environment before the start of the school day.
- Who runs them?
- Where does the childcare take place?
- What hours to they open?
- How old are the children they look after?
- What is the average fee?
- What is the ratio of staff to children?
- Will they have any checks?
- Do they have any training?
- How can I apply for a place?
- Further reading
Who runs them?
It depends on how they are set up. They could be run directly by the school, a private company or a voluntary organisation.
Where does the childcare take place?
Normally on the school site but it may be in a nearby hall, scout hut or leisure centre.
If the club does not take place on a school site, they will usually transport the children to the nearby school for the start of the school day.
What hours do they open?
This will vary, some start at 7.30am, others at 7.45am or later and will finish when school day starts.
How old are the children they look after?
Each club is different, but most will take children from the age of 4 to 12 years. It will usually depend on the age of the school they are based in or near to.
What is the average fee?
The average fee in Surrey is usually between £2.50 to £6.50 per session depending on the length of time the club is open and if food is provided.
If the club is registered with Ofsted, you can check whether you may be eligible for help with childcare costs. Whether you are eligible depends on your family's circumstances. Use the Childcare Choices website or the Childcare Calculator to find out how much you might get.
You can also find details of support available to help with childcare costs on our Paying for childcare web page.
What is the ratio of staff to children?
This will depend on the age of the children.
If the club is only for children in reception class or older, it must make sure there are enough staff to supervise and support the children present. Best practice recommendations are for there to be a 1 to 10 ratio where possible.
If the club also offers provision to children who are not yet of statutory school age, they must follow Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) ratios. For example, for nursery children aged 3 and 4 years, there must be a 1 to 8 ratio of staff to children.
Will they have any checks?
Staff will have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to make sure they are suitable to work with children and young people. The provider must follow their safer recruitment policy.
Do they have any training?
Staff should hold certificates in first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding/child protection. If they are registered on the Ofsted Early Years Register the manager should hold at least a level 3 in a relevant qualification. Fifty percent of the rest of the staff should hold at least a level 2 in a relevant qualification.
The Ofsted childcare register has two parts, compulsory and voluntary. If a childcare provider needs to be on the compulsory register, they must make sure they have received enough training to complete the role. If they are on the voluntary register, one person present needs to have at least a level 2 in an area relevant to childcare or training in the common core of skills and knowledge.
How can you apply for a place?
You can apply for a place by contacting the breakfast club directly. Speak to your child's school and they will let you know if they offer breakfast club or work with any private or voluntary providers to offer this.
You can search for details of breakfast clubs in your area in our Childcare Finder.