After-School Club Business: Kit, Rates & Sales Tips (UK)
Startup Cost: £50–£300 | Difficulty: Beginner | Time to Start: 7 Days | Business Type: Local
As a working parent in the UK, you're likely aware of the pressure to find quality after-school care for your children. This period presents a lucrative service opportunity, and with the right approach, you can create a profitable after-school club.
What is After-School Club Business?
An after-school club is a program that provides activities and care for children after school hours. It can be a great way to keep children engaged and active while their parents are at work.
Video Breakdown
For a step-by-step guide on starting an after-school club, watch the full video on YouTube for the full walkthrough.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a unique club that parents will pay for, such as a Lego club, coding club, drama and storytelling club, or arts and crafts club.
- Create a session plan that outlines the activities and materials needed.
- Rent a community center or church hall near a primary school.
- Promote your club through flyers, local Facebook groups, and social media.
- Start with a small group of children and gradually build up your numbers.
Startup Costs in the UK
MicroBiz365 keeps costs under £300; free tools and our PDF where possible. Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs involved in starting an after-school club in the UK:
| Item | Approx. Cost (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced DBS check | £40-£50 | Required for working with children |
| Public liability insurance | £20-£50 | Optional but recommended |
| Initial stock of materials | £50-£100 | Dependent on the type of club |
| Website & hosting | £0 | Free tools and our PDF |
| Branding basics | £0-£40 | Dependent on the level of branding required |
| Tools/equipment | £50-£100 | Dependent on the type of club |
| Contract/template | £0-£50 | Free tools and our PDF |
In practice, you can get to your first paying client for a total setup spend of roughly £100–£250, well under the £300 mark, then upgrade tools and protection as the business grows.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Lego or other craft materials
- Computers or coding equipment
- Art supplies
- Microphones or other audio equipment
How to Start
- Choose a specialty: Select a unique club that parents will pay for.
- Create a session plan: Develop a script for the class that outlines the activities and materials needed.
- Find a location: Rent a community center or church hall near a primary school.
- Promote your club: Print flyers and distribute them at pickup time, join local Facebook groups, and post about your club on social media.
- Launch your club: Start with a small group of children and gradually build up your numbers as you refine your services.
Earnings & Scaling
You can charge £8 per child for a 1.5-hour session, with a maximum of 15 children per class, resulting in £120 revenue per session, minus £30 for the hall rental, leaving you with £90 profit. As you scale your business, you can increase your revenue by hiring additional staff or increasing the number of sessions per week.
Pros, Cons and Risks
Pros:
- Low startup costs
- Flexibility to create a unique club
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on the community
Cons:
- Requires planning and organization
- May require additional staff or equipment as the business grows
- Dependent on finding a suitable location and promoting the club
Risks:
- Failure to attract enough customers
- Difficulty in finding a suitable location
- Compliance with regulations and safety standards
UK-Specific Tips
- Ensure you have the necessary insurance and DBS checks
- Comply with HMRC regulations and register your business
- Utilize local marketing channels, such as Facebook groups and community centers, to promote your club
FAQ
What is the average cost of starting an after-school club in the UK?
The average cost of starting an after-school club in the UK can range from £50 to £300, depending on the type of club and the equipment needed.
How do I promote my after-school club?
You can promote your after-school club by printing flyers, joining local Facebook groups, and posting about your club on social media.
What are the benefits of starting an after-school club?
The benefits of starting an after-school club include low startup costs, flexibility to create a unique club, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community.
Conclusion
Starting an after-school club can be a rewarding and profitable business venture. With the right approach and planning, you can create a unique and successful club that parents will pay for. For more business ideas, browse more ideas on MicroBiz365.
