Accreditation for after-school clubs and enrichment.
After-school and enrichment providers work in schools' trust. YLEA accreditation gives you an independent quality signal to show school partners, PTAs, and parents that your program is structured and safe.
Why get accredited
What accreditation does for your program
Renew school contracts confidently
Schools reviewing enrichment partners want evidence of quality beyond a term-report. Accreditation is that evidence.
Expand into new schools
New school partners look for independent quality signals when choosing between providers pitching for the same slot.
Reassure parents at open evenings
The YLEA mark answers 'what actually happens in this club?' with a concrete quality statement, not a leaflet.
What we assess
How the six standards apply here
Program design
How your club builds skills across a term, not just week-by-week activity.
Structured learning hours
Actual taught time across the term for the age group you serve.
Age-appropriate delivery
Activities and pacing matched to the age range and school setting.
Evidence of learning
How progress or completion is shared with parents and school partners.
Safeguarding & staff conduct
DBS/background checks, safeguarding lead, and conduct expectations for staff in a school setting.
Responsible tech use
How devices, apps, and any photo/data collection are handled on-site.
How to get accredited
A clear path from first submission to a public quality mark.
- Step 01
Submit your program
Share the club structure, age range, taught hours, and school-partner model.
- Step 02
Independent review
Reviewers assess your submission against the six YLEA standards.
- Step 03
Badge & certificate
Approved programs receive the YLEA mark for your school-partner and parent materials.
Common questions
Do you accredit clubs run by schools directly?
YLEA is designed for provider organisations rather than internal school-run clubs. Schools commissioning an external provider often ask that provider to seek accreditation.
What if we run several different clubs?
Each distinct program is reviewed on its own. Most providers accredit their flagship club first and add others as they grow.
Does this cover breakfast clubs or holiday clubs?
Structured, taught programs are in scope; general childcare is not. Holiday programs are covered on the STEM camps page.
How long does the review take?
Most first reviews complete within a few weeks of a complete submission. Applying between school years usually works best.
Get your after-school club YLEA-accredited.
Independent recognition for structured after-school and enrichment programs. Start your accreditation application today.