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08/09/2004
Schools to offer extended childcare facilities
Education Secretary Charles Clarke has today outlined plans for schools to offer 'wrap-around' childcare available from 8am to 6pm.
The 'wrap-around' care would be available for 48 weeks of the year and be paid for by tax credits.
In a speech in Central London earlier today, Mr Clarke called for a universal one-stop childcare service for working parents, continuing through the school holidays.
"We expect to make significant progress over the next five years - schools will be at the heart of this," he said.
The Education Secretary emphasised that the key to providing the care would be the "extended school" providing a menu or breakfast, after-school, holiday clubs and nursery care.
Government plans to introduce extended schools were originally announced in its five-year strategy for children and learners earlier this year.
A recent survey shows that most schools are well placed to meet the challenge of becoming extended schools. The survey showed that all schools had some form of out-of-schools learning or study support and four-in-10 had holiday play schemes and club.
A third of schools were also found to have an after-school club - with over 80% using another group or organisation to provide this service.
Mr Clarke said: "It will take time for all schools to make an Extended Schools offer to their parents - either on their own or in partnership with other schools close by, but we want it to happen and we will be providing practical help, training, capital funding as well as some revenue support to help roll out the strategy across the country and to make a reality of a childcare guarantee for parents."
(gmcg)
The 'wrap-around' care would be available for 48 weeks of the year and be paid for by tax credits.
In a speech in Central London earlier today, Mr Clarke called for a universal one-stop childcare service for working parents, continuing through the school holidays.
"We expect to make significant progress over the next five years - schools will be at the heart of this," he said.
The Education Secretary emphasised that the key to providing the care would be the "extended school" providing a menu or breakfast, after-school, holiday clubs and nursery care.
Government plans to introduce extended schools were originally announced in its five-year strategy for children and learners earlier this year.
A recent survey shows that most schools are well placed to meet the challenge of becoming extended schools. The survey showed that all schools had some form of out-of-schools learning or study support and four-in-10 had holiday play schemes and club.
A third of schools were also found to have an after-school club - with over 80% using another group or organisation to provide this service.
Mr Clarke said: "It will take time for all schools to make an Extended Schools offer to their parents - either on their own or in partnership with other schools close by, but we want it to happen and we will be providing practical help, training, capital funding as well as some revenue support to help roll out the strategy across the country and to make a reality of a childcare guarantee for parents."
(gmcg)
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