The National Childcare Strategy includes an ambition to deliver childcare for children up to 14. However, provision for older children is scarce and the Network called on the Government to make them a priority. Its chief executive, Anne Longfield, said, 'Too old for many childcare schemes and too young for the youth club, the 11-to 14-year-olds have been neglected for years.
'Our research reveals that children of this age need something between a kids' club and a youth club. Children say that they want their club to be somewhere that gives them a feeling of independence but with adult support so it is safe and a place where they can not only "hang out" with friends but do their homework as well.'
In many cases, the growth in out-of-school care for the under-11s has enabled parents to enter the workforce for the first time and they are at a loss as to how to cope when their children get older and suitable provision is no longer available.
The Network's survey shows many parents are worried that there is little for older children to do and are fearful that boredom will encourage them to 'get into trouble'. Some respond by keeping their children indoors, which can mean they become bored and isolated, and reliant on television and computer games as their sources of entertainment.
The model solution proposed by the Network is a club aimed specifically at this age group, with food available in a cafe style, with adults on hand, but not looking after them in an over-protective or dominating way. The children would have a role in deciding what went on, would have lots of activities to choose from and would be able to spend time hanging out with their friends or doing their homework.
One example cited by the Network was Stanney Out-of-School Activities Club in Cheshire. Set up six years ago by a local resident who saw that young secondary school children were getting into trouble after school, it provides structured leisure activities and charges 60p per session after school.
