Out of school and holiday club provision
Breakfast/after school/holiday clubs provide play opportunities for school age children at times when schools are not open. They can operate before school in the mornings; from the end of the school day and at the end of the working day; throughout the school holidays; or a combination of all three. They cater for children aged four to eleven attending primary school and some take older children. All childcare settings can support a child with special educational needs and/or disabilities, although some may have particular skills or expertise. It is important to give potential settings as much information as possible about your child from the start. This will help them to meet their needs more effectively, which may help them to settle better. It can be helpful for the setting to link with your child’s school to enable them to have a consistent approach to supporting your child.
The Equality Act 2010 requires providers to make reasonable adjustments to support children with disabilities to access their service. Reasonable adjustments are changes that organisations and people providing services or public functions have to make for if a disability puts a person at a disadvantage compared with others who are not disabled. Cambridgeshire County Council Early Years Childcare and School Readiness Service will support providers to understand what constitutes a reasonable adjustment and how this may apply in their setting. It is up to the provider to determine what constitutes a reasonable adjustment to their provision, however there are links on the side of the page that may support determining what is a reasonable adjustment.
Find an out of school club near you by searching “out of school” in the directory. The Families Information Service can support you in finding a childcare place for your child. They can be contacted on 0345 045 1360 or by emailing fis@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Help with Childcare Costs
Working families can claim tax-free childcare to support childcare costs, with up to £2000 a year for each child to help with the costs of childcare. If you child gets Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment you may be eligible for a higher rate of tax-free childcare of up to £4000 a year. To find out more visit Tax-Free Childcare - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Childcare Access Funding
Childcare Access Funding is intended to support children (aged 4 to 14+) with the very highest levels of needs at out of school hours childcare, including before and after school clubs, holiday schemes and care with childminders.
Applications for funding are made by the setting, following consultation and agreement with you and with help and support from the people working with you and your child.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
The Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme offers free holiday scheme places for eligible children. It runs during the Easter, summer, and Christmas school holidays. Eligible primary and secondary school children and young people can attend. The Department for Education funds the HAF Programme.
Registered holiday schemes offer up to 16 hours of free attendance. They provide a range of fun experiences, a healthy meal, and snacks.
For more information please see: Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 2023 - Cambridgeshire County Council