The experiences of children in middle childhood of school age childcare in Ireland: a qualitative study.

Data was also collected via semi-structured interviews, with owners and managers (n=5) and SAC educators (n=7). A small number of parents (n=4) participated in the study. Findings suggest that children were largely positive about their experiences in centre-based SAC.

They identified play with peers and relationships with staff as essential elements but highlighted tensions between play and ‘work’ (homework), a view shared by educators, managers and owners in SAC services. The findings identify SAC settings as important relational and transitional spaces between formal school and home, which provide a context for children to play and exercise agency. A model for best practice in SAC is proposed: SAC conceptualised as a transitional and relational space, bridging children’s experiences from adult-directed educational systems to more participatory environments which are not regulated or structured by outcomes but rather a place for children to relax, play and socialise. <br><br>