News

Coronavirus: After-school clubs on the brink of collapse

Out-of-school clubs are facing closure and may never reopen, following new rules, confusing guidance and lack of support from Government.
The Club at Akiva in north-west London is unable to reopen at its primary school site
The Club at Akiva in north-west London is unable to reopen at its primary school site

A survey by the the Out of School Alliance that provides help and support for out-of-school clubs, undertaken in mid-May, which looked at how coronavirus had impacted on their businesses, found that 83 percent of wraparound settings are currently closed, and 44 percent of respondents are unsure if they will be able to reopen in September.

Co-director, Clare Freedman, told Nursery World that the sector has been ‘
continually ignored’ by the Department for Education in terms of guidance on what it is expected or permitted during this time and unlike other forms of childcare it has received ‘no targeted support’ from the Government.

She said, ‘Further uncertainty now exists after the DfE’s updated guidance on 2 June states that only registered providers which operate on school premises are permitted to provide wrap-around care.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here