Guide
After-school care and activities
School finishes earlier than most working days. If both parents work, after-school arrangements can matter as much as the school day itself.
What schools offer
- Clubs run by teachers, often free or low-cost, for part of the term.
- Clubs run by outside providers on the school site, usually charged per term.
- Wraparound care, sometimes called breakfast club and after-school club, that covers the start and end of the working day.
What to check
- What time does the school day end for younger children? It may be earlier than for older ones.
- Is care available every day, or only on certain days?
- Is there care during school holidays?
- How is the school run organised? Some international schools run bus routes, which may only leave once, at the end of the main day.
- Are places guaranteed, or allocated on a first-come basis?
The commute
In a large city, the journey to school can take longer than you expect. Try the route at the time you would travel before you decide.