Afterschool Club is becoming more and more common in the UK with around 60% of schools offering some form of wraparound care in 2024. Although many people do not know what to expect or understand the benefits. In this blog we will delve into the benefits that an Afterschool club can have on various areas of a child’s life. Including but not limited to, their academic performance, development of hobbies and interests, social skills, life skills and friendships.
What is an after school club?
An Afterschool club is an Ofsted-regulated club attached to a state school. Unlike specific clubs which offer lessons in music, dance or sport. Afterschool clubs offer children a variety of supervised and structured activities straight after school until around 6pm. Breakfast clubs are often added to this and offer round the clock care. Thus extending the school day from 8am allowing parents early drop off if needed.
Benefits of After school Clubs for children
Academic Success
One of the main noted benefits of an afterschool club is the impact that this has on academic performance. Specifically, a study by the Nuffield Foundation suggests that attending an After School club links directly to better grades and high attendance. Reasons for this include:
- Children who attend afterschool clubs are often reported to feel more connected to their school community which has been shown to lead to increased attendance, better behaviour and increased levels of motivation.
- Afterschool clubs can allow children extra time to work on homework which naturally supports their overall development and understanding in school.
- Many afterschool clubs offer academic activities based on curricular subjects of maths, English and science which can complement classroom learning.
- Wraparound care is linked to increased levels of concentration and engagement in certain subjects as well as confidence in classes.
Increased opportunities
Afterschool clubs offer children a variety of activities from learning a new instrument, trying a new sport or simply playing a new game.
- These opportunities provided by afterschool clubs are particularly valuable for disadvantaged children who are perhaps less likely to access them elsewhere
- This provides children with the opportunity to continue learning. This not only supports their academic achievements but gives them the chance to learn, play, develop new skills and gain new and exciting experiences
- Taking part in these activities allows children to broaden their horizons and potentially learning more about the world. These new experiences are particularly useful in the classroom to contextualise learning and giving children experiences to talk and write about.
Development of social skills
- Out of school activities and after school clubs encourages children to strengthen existing bonds with friends or seek new friendships. These friendships could be with their peer group or more likely with children of different ages and cultures
- Research has shown that extracurricular activities like those provided in an afterschool club contribute positively to the development of “soft skills” which include: independence, fitting in with peers, teamwork, communication and problem solving skills.
Enhanced self-esteem and wellbeing
- Afterschool clubs provide children with a sense of continuity and security. This is further reinforced when school friends attend the club too.
- Children get the chance to build relationships with school staff in an informal setting which makes them more confident to contribute in lessons.
- Found to feed back into attainment, afterschool clubs have been found to offer children the opportunity to try new activities that they could excel in, thus raising their self-esteem.
- Afterschool clubs and the activities they provide can make a huge difference to children’s physical and mental wellbeing. They offer children an outlet if they have had a particularly challenging day. Additionally, this can teach children healthy coping mechanisms for when they are having a difficult time.
Benefits of After school Clubs for Parents
Financial
- Parents are able to work or take up more hours knowing their child is cared for.
- Afterschool clubs are significantly cheaper than many other forms of childcare.
Safety
- Afterschool clubs are Ofsted regulated meaning parents can rest-assured that their child is in a safe and protected environment.
- Familiarity and trust: children and parents alike are more comfortable and relaxed on school premises with familiar staff.
Assurances of children’s development and care
- In many cases, afterschool clubs provide supervised help with homework which means children return home and can spend quality time with their parents instead of engaging in a homework battle.
- Afterschool clubs also provide a productive alternative to sitting and watching tv in the afternoon.
- Afterschool activities allow children to be active and let off steam so they ultimately arrive home in a calmer state. This has also has an impact on quality of sleep.
- Attending breakfast club ensures each child receives a healthy and balanced breakfast before the school day. A healthy breakfast in a breakfast club will boost learning and reduce tiredness levels.
Our latest collection of Afterschool resources will help make after school care easy and simple. Within this range you can shop by activity, theme and even dining essentials.
