How Out Of School Care Supports Physical Activity And Social Skills

By Author: Darsh Panaich
Total Articles: 2
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For many parents in today’s fast-paced world, balancing work and family is no easy feat. While schools provide structured education, children also need a safe, stimulating environment outside school hours—especially in the crucial hours before and after school. That’s where out of school care (OOSC) programs step in.
In a nurturing, well-structured setting like Creative All Stars Childcare, located in Surrey, these programs not only bridge the gap between school and home but also offer vital opportunities for physical activity and social development. Let’s dive into how high-quality out of school care nurtures healthier, happier children.

1. What Is Out of School Care?
Out of school care (also known as before- and after-school care) refers to supervised childcare provided before school starts, after the school day ends, and sometimes during holidays or professional development days. These programs are tailored to working families who need safe, enriching environments for their children outside of standard school hours.
While academic support is often a component, the primary focus is on well-rounded ...
... development—which includes physical health, creativity, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

2. The Importance of Physical Activity in a Child’s Routine
According to Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, children aged 5–17 should have at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Unfortunately, with the growing prevalence of screen time and sedentary behaviours, many kids don’t meet this target.
Out of school care programs—especially those like Creative All Stars Childcare in Surrey—play a significant role in filling this gap. These programs often incorporate outdoor play, team games, dance, and structured exercise into their daily schedules. Let’s explore how.

3. How Out of School Care Encourages Physical Activity
a) Daily Outdoor Play
Many OOSC centres ensure that children spend part of their day outdoors. Activities may include:
Playground time

Running games (e.g., tag, relay races)

Obstacle courses

Nature walks in nearby parks or green spaces

In Surrey, where the community offers access to various parks and recreational areas, OOSC centres like Creative All Stars Childcare use the natural setting to their advantage.
b) Organised Sports and Group Games
Physical engagement isn't just about movement—it's also about structure and teamwork. Through games like soccer, dodgeball, or even mini-Olympics, children build:
Endurance

Agility

Hand-eye coordination

Team spirit

These games are especially effective for children who may not enjoy traditional competitive sports but still benefit from physical play.
c) Creative Movement
Many programs include dance, yoga, or movement-based storytelling. This appeals to children who may be less inclined toward team sports and more drawn to creative expression. Dance and yoga:
Improve balance and flexibility

Enhance mental focus

Boost self-esteem through mastery and routine

4. The Social Benefits of Out of School Care
While physical activity is crucial, equally important is social skill development. In an age where digital interactions are increasing and face-to-face communication is declining, structured OOSC programs provide safe environments for children to:
Make friends

Learn empathy

Resolve conflicts

Build confidence

Let’s break this down further.

5. How Out of School Care Builds Social Skills
a) Cooperative Play
Whether through board games, group projects, or sports, cooperative play teaches children to:
Take turns

Follow rules

Work as part of a team

Children enrolled in out of school care in Surrey, particularly at Creative All Stars Childcare, benefit from consistent group play that reinforces respectful behaviour and communication.
b) Guided Conflict Resolution
Disagreements among children are natural—but the way they’re managed makes a difference. Skilled caregivers model:
Calm problem-solving

Active listening

Emotional validation

Appropriate boundaries

By guiding children through these interactions, OOSC programs help them develop emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms.
c) Mixed-Age Interaction
Unlike school, which typically separates children by grade, out of school care often includes a broader age range. This allows:
Younger children to learn from older peers

Older children to take on leadership roles

A more family-like dynamic to emerge

This dynamic promotes mentorship, patience, and inclusivity.

6. The Role of Qualified Staff
The success of any OOSC program hinges on the dedication and training of its staff. At Creative All Stars Childcare, caregivers are not just supervisors—they are mentors, role models, and activity planners.
Staff are trained in:
Child development

First aid and CPR

Conflict resolution

Inclusive education practices

They create a predictable routine that offers structure while remaining flexible to meet children’s emotional and physical needs.

7. Enrichment Beyond Physical Play
While sports and social interaction are core elements, high-quality programs also incorporate:
STEM activities

Creative arts & crafts

Homework support

Mindfulness and quiet time

This holistic approach ensures that children experience balanced stimulation, supporting their overall development and reducing post-school fatigue or boredom.

8. Why Parents in Surrey Choose Creative All Stars Childcare
Families looking for out of school care in Surrey often turn to Creative All Stars Childcare for its:
Safe, welcoming environment

Focus on both physical and emotional development

Strong parent communication

Flexible scheduling and affordability

Additionally, the centre’s emphasis on outdoor play and enrichment activities aligns well with modern parenting values focused on wellness, socialisation, and academic readiness.

9. Long-Term Benefits of OOSC Participation
Children who consistently attend out of school care programs tend to:
Show better classroom behaviour

Have improved peer relationships

Demonstrate greater emotional regulation

Develop healthier habits that carry into adulthood

Parents also report reduced stress knowing their children are not just cared for, but also thriving in a structured, safe, and socially enriching environment.

10. Final Thoughts
Out of school care is more than just a convenient option for working parents—it’s a powerful platform that supports a child’s physical health, social growth, and emotional well-being.
In communities like Surrey, where families seek quality education and development opportunities, centres like Creative All Stars Childcare are leading the way with engaging, child-centred programs that nurture every child’s potential—both on and off the playground.

Are you a parent in Surrey looking for out of school care that supports your child’s development?
Contact Creative All Stars Childcare today to learn more about enrollment, programs, and how we help your child shine—physically, socially, and emotionally.