Nursery World - More cash for clubs to help lone parents

Out-of-school clubs in Scotland are looking forward to a more secure future following last week's announcement of an 8m increase in funding by the Scottish Executive. The money, to be distributed through local authorities, is one element of a 24m funding package to help lone parents. It is intended to help sustain out-of-school clubs in disadvantaged areas, as they are a particularly popular form of childcare provision for lone parents.

The money, to be distributed through local authorities, is one element of a 24m funding package to help lone parents. It is intended to help sustain out-of-school clubs in disadvantaged areas, as they are a particularly popular form of childcare provision for lone parents.

Announcing the funding at a childcare facility run by One Plus, Scotland's largest lone parent organisation, deputy education minister Nicol Stephen said, 'The 8m for out-of-school clubs will be an immense boost for many parents, including lone parents, who depend on the clubs for their childcare arrangements.'

Shirley Norrie, the Scottish Out-of-School Care Network's information officer, said, 'It is good news, and will help those clubs that have not got access to New Opportunities Fund money. A lot of out-of-school clubs were set up by parents themselves, and when children get older, out-of-school clubs can be a more viable option, a place where children can socialise and do their homework.'

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