Extended Day Services that Premier Education Offers

More and more primary schools are now offering childcare for working parents in the form of extended day services. Even if your school doesn’t use this term, it’s likely that they still offer it in one way or another.

In this article, we’re going to look at what’s meant by extended day services, why it’s so important and why it might be just what your family needs.

What are extended day services?

Quite simply, this refers to any clubs or provisions a school offers that run outside of school time, so before or after school or even during school holidays.

Here at Premier Education, we support schools in offering extended day services by providing expert coaches to run these provisions – we’ve been doing it for over 25 years, so you could say we know a thing or two!

Wraparound care

For example, you’re probably already aware that the government wants all primary school children to have access to wraparound care by September 2026, so schools are having to make sure that they offer this provision or at least signpost to a local alternative.

Wraparound care is a great example of extended day services offered, as it encompasses before-school breakfast clubs and after-school clubs, extending the school day for parents who struggle to drop off and collect children around their work.

Before-school clubs include a variety of activities to ease children into the school day, while also providing kids with a healthy breakfast. After-school clubs are ideal for children to wind down from the day with friends or burn off any extra energy. Sessions include a nutritious snack and plenty of fun.

This type of provision takes place five days a week, and parents can access some or all of the sessions, depending on their needs. Booking in advance to reserve your child’s place is usually required so that our team can ensure the correct ratios of staff to children are in place. This service does come at a cost, which is set by the school or provider.

The good news is that parents can use tax-free childcare towards the cost of wraparound care, as long as the provision is Ofsted registered.

Extracurricular or after-school clubs

Extracurricular clubs held after school are also examples of extended day services. These are usually paid-for clubs that are focused on a specific sport or activity, helping to widen a child’s interests. For example, dance, football, basketball, performing arts or gymnastics, and typically run for an hour, once a week.

These sorts of clubs are ideal for parents who need an extra hour in the school day once or twice a week.

Holiday clubs

Term-time services are one thing, but what about outside of term-time? It’s no secret that working parents can find school holidays challenging in terms of covering childcare.

Having access to professionally run holiday clubs (or camps) can be a lifesaver for many families during school holidays. These fun and activity-packed clubs mean children continue to build friendships, get active and experience a range of enriching activities all through the holidays.

Why are extended day services so important?

Having extended day services at primary schools are vital in providing support to families, and gives them peace of mind that their children are being cared for in a safe, fun environment. Other key benefits include:

Social and emotional development

The informal and less structured environment of after-school clubs allows children to develop social skills, confidence and teamwork skills.

Academic support

Before and after-school clubs can often help to reinforce learning in a more casual setting. For example, playworkers can support with reading or homework tasks, and educational or problem-solving games can get little brains busy – but in a fun way!

Exposure to new interests and sports

After-school clubs that focus on a particular activity are great at introducing kids to new sports or interests not usually covered within the school day. They can experience anything from chess and sports to music and STEM.

Reduces inequality

Having access to clubs around the school day, and holiday camps outside of term time, means ALL pupils can benefit from wider, enriching experiences, helping to close the learning gap.

Find out how extending the school day can benefit you and your child

Why not see what your school offers in terms of clubs and extracurricular activities? With so many benefits to both your child and you, it can be the perfect addition to your week. We hope to see you and your little one soon!