Menu
05/10/2005
Funding secured for out of school hours clubs
Minister for Children and Young People Jeff Rooker has secured immediate funding to resolve problems facing out-of-school-hours clubs.
The Out of School Hours Childcare programme was launched in July 1999 with a specific of ensuring good quality, affordable childcare for children aged 3-14 by providing start up funds to create new childcare places.
However a £500,000 shortly, which was highlighted during discussions with Playboard, has now been rectified, the Minister said.
"I promised that I would take steps to address the funding situation for out-of-school-hours clubs. As a result of productive discussions with PlayBoard, which placed the short-fall in the region of £500k, I am glad to announce that I have secured the necessary funding to resolve the immediate problem faced by many clubs," Mr Rooker said.
"As a Government we realise fully the importance of out-of-school hours clubs and the positive impact they have on children's health, behaviour and academic performance. That is why I was determined that we should not allow clubs to close where there remains the possibility of prolonging their important work."
Today's announcement is being made on the day the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children & Young People meets for the first time. The meeting, which will be held later today, will be chaired by the Minister for Children & Young People and will be attended by Ministers Hanson, Smith and Woodward. Permanent Secretaries from all Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office will also attend the meeting.
(MB/SP)
The Out of School Hours Childcare programme was launched in July 1999 with a specific of ensuring good quality, affordable childcare for children aged 3-14 by providing start up funds to create new childcare places.
However a £500,000 shortly, which was highlighted during discussions with Playboard, has now been rectified, the Minister said.
"I promised that I would take steps to address the funding situation for out-of-school-hours clubs. As a result of productive discussions with PlayBoard, which placed the short-fall in the region of £500k, I am glad to announce that I have secured the necessary funding to resolve the immediate problem faced by many clubs," Mr Rooker said.
"As a Government we realise fully the importance of out-of-school hours clubs and the positive impact they have on children's health, behaviour and academic performance. That is why I was determined that we should not allow clubs to close where there remains the possibility of prolonging their important work."
Today's announcement is being made on the day the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children & Young People meets for the first time. The meeting, which will be held later today, will be chaired by the Minister for Children & Young People and will be attended by Ministers Hanson, Smith and Woodward. Permanent Secretaries from all Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office will also attend the meeting.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2022
Funding For Schools To Help Disabled And Disadvantaged Children
Grant-giving charity Cash for Kids has announced an important life-line to schools and sport clubs across Northern Ireland which are struggling for funding to help disabled and disadvantaged children.
Funding For Schools To Help Disabled And Disadvantaged Children
Grant-giving charity Cash for Kids has announced an important life-line to schools and sport clubs across Northern Ireland which are struggling for funding to help disabled and disadvantaged children.
11 October 2024
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
01 July 2005
Children stage 'after school' clubs protest
Children from some of the 200 after school clubs facing the axe in Northern Ireland staged a protest at the City Hall in Belfast on Thursday. The children released 200 red balloons, one for each of the clubs which is likely to close in the next few months.
Children stage 'after school' clubs protest
Children from some of the 200 after school clubs facing the axe in Northern Ireland staged a protest at the City Hall in Belfast on Thursday. The children released 200 red balloons, one for each of the clubs which is likely to close in the next few months.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
