Our Afterschool is diverse it is designed to foster child-directed, free-choice play as well as structured group and coach-directed activities. With the array of equipment and space we can offer lots of diversity.
The work and ethos of our Afterschool is underpinned by the United Nations Charter on the Rights of the Child; One of the key expectations of the after-school experience for children is play (PLÉ, 2015) and after-school provision must be underpinned by Article 31 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, which sets out the child’s right to play. The play policy developed by the Irish Government (NCO, 2004) states that ‘Play is freely chosen, personally directed intrinsically motivated behaviour that actively engages the child’. (NCO, 2004, p. 6). Free choice is clearly mentioned in this ‘play is what children do when no-one else is telling them what to do’ (NCO, 2004, p. 11). Choice within play has also been highlighted as important by 8–14 year-olds in England (Henshall and Lacey, 2007; Kapasi and Gleave, 2009). A lack of time for children to spend in authentic free play has been highlighted in relation in a range of contexts including out-of-school clubs, the playground and the home (Smith and Baker, 2001).
“After-school should be child-led with a diverse choice of activities available, access to an outdoor space and sports hall/gym, providing a mix of play, structured activities and ‘chill out’ space.- Action Plan on School Age Childcare 2017″