Deciding whether to put your child into out of school care can be difficult and emotionally
charged. Due to a return to the workforce, change in circumstances or simply lifestyle
demands, you might be considering including your child in before or after school care or
holiday programmes.

Every parent wants the best for their child, but this goes hand-in-hand with wondering
whether your choices are the right ones.  For many parents, the guilt can be consuming as
you wonder whether they would be happier and better off if you stayed at home with them.
In fact, the opposite is true. The research is clear: children in quality programmes thrive in
every way, reaping benefits that are long-lasting. Through the interactions they have in this
positive environment, they’ll learn the skills they need for school, higher education and
beyond.

So throw away your parent guilt and start celebrating your child’s development.

In this blog we explore the five top reasons to send your child to a great out of school care
programme.

1. Improves academic performance
Before and after school programmes boost academic performance, according to research.
One such study is The Havard Family Research Project, which involved 10 years of
research on after school programmes and implications for the future. It found students who
take part have shown a significant improvement in test scores, particularly in maths and
reading and are more engaged learners. This is believed to be a result of them having the
opportunity to try new skills through hands-on, experimental activities.

2. Grows emotional development
A study by Demircan & Demir (2014) found children who take part in programmes are
more emotionally adjusted than their peers and have been found to be less lonely than
those in self or sibling care. Through being in a large group, children learn to adapt to
different situations, as they arise. This gives them an opportunity to also learn about
themselves, while developing self-esteem and self-confidence.

3. Encourages relationship building
Children will have the chance to meet and build positive friendships with other children
their age, giving them a head start on this vital skill (Hahn,1994). Learning about
relationship-building at a young age is something they’ll carry with them throughout life.

4. Prevents risky behaviours
Children in these programmes are exposed to a healthy environment and role models,
while engaged in positive learning. Research shows this lessens the likelihood they’ll find
themselves in troubling situations later in life, such as drug use and other criminal
behaviour (Mahoney, Lord, & Carryl, 2005).

5. Better health
Before and after school programmes give children the opportunity to take part in fun
physical activities, that promote a healthy, active lifestyle. According to research, these
programmes contribute to greater knowledge about exercise and nutrition, setting them on
the path to a lifetime of good health and wellness (Mahoney, Lord, & Carryl, 2005).

Today’s before and after school programmes, and holiday programmes do so much more
than simply keep your kids safe. They offer an exciting learning environment that will keep
them wanting to come back for more. Research confirms the academic, social, emotional,
prevention and health benefits they gain will make a lasting, positive difference to their
lives.