Nursery World - Join the club (1)

Thinking of working with older children? Anne Wiltsher looks at the issues early years practitioners should consider before moving to out-of-school work The number of out-of-school clubs has more than doubled in the past four years to 7,000. The Government wants 12,000 to be established by 2004 and an estimated 30,000 extra staff will be needed. So if you are an early years practitioner thinking about working with older children this is a good time to do so as there are likely to be a growing number of vacancies. However, bear in mind the following:

The number of out-of-school clubs has more than doubled in the past four years to 7,000. The Government wants 12,000 to be established by 2004 and an estimated 30,000 extra staff will be needed. So if you are an early years practitioner thinking about working with older children this is a good time to do so as there are likely to be a growing number of vacancies. However, bear in mind the following:

Working hours and pay

* There are fewer full-time jobs in playwork than in early years. The hours are usually from about 2.30pm to 6.30pm in term time and 8.30am to 6.30pm in the holidays if the club runs a holiday scheme. There may also be a breakfast club. Some playworkers also do another part-time job - working as a classroom assistant or lunch-time supervisor is common - to extend their earnings.

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