An exploration of the benefits of after-school club for children, focusing on their emotional and social development

Lacey, Terri

An exploration of the benefits of after-school club for children, focusing on their emotional and social development

Files

2016_Terri_Lacey.pdf(1.61 MB)

Published Version

Date

2016-05

Authors

Lacey, Terri

Publisher

Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork

Abstract

This study is a Community-Academic Research Links (CARL) project managed between Before 5 Family Centre, UCC Applied Social Studies Department and the researcher. The aim of the research is to explore the benefits of afterschool club, focusing on children’s social and emotional development. Through a qualitative approach seven interviews were used to examine and analyse parents, staff and school liaisons officer’s perspectives of afterschool club. Literature reviewed revealed that children attending afterschool programmes reap multiple benefits; some areas of development include increased academic achievement, developing peer relationships and increased self-confidence. This evidenced-based research study found that children attending afterschool club demonstrated a positive change in their behaviour, formed new peer relationships, emotional competence and increased social development. The foundations and most influencing factor to these benefits are the positive interactions and attachments children have experienced with staff. As a social work student this study recognises that afterschool services have potentially a significant role to play in families, schools and community services. It is essential to adopt policy implementation, to ensure quality, better outcomes and brighter futures for children.

Keywords

After-school club , Children’s social and emotional development , After-school services , After-school programmes , Academic achievement , Peer relationships , Self-confidence

Citation

Lacey, T. (2016) An exploration of the benefits of after-school club for children, focusing on their emotional and social development. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.