Nursery World - Out-of-school clubs surge in numbers

The number of out-of-school clubs in Scotland has grown significantly in the last year, according to figures released last week by the Scottish Executive.<BR>Pre-School and Childcare Statistics 2004 provides detailed breakdowns by types of provider on early years childcare, out-of-school clubs, parental demand for childcare, pre-school education and spending. Overall there has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of after-school clubs, with a 25 per cent increase in before-school care and 19 per cent in after-school care.

The number of out-of-school clubs in Scotland has grown significantly in the last year, according to figures released last week by the Scottish Executive. Pre-School and Childcare Statistics 2004 provides detailed breakdowns by types of provider on early years childcare, out-of-school clubs, parental demand for childcare, pre-school education and spending. Overall there has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of after-school clubs, with a 25 per cent increase in before-school care and 19 per cent in after-school care.

Figures also show that the proportion of children receiving pre-school education 'is at an all-time high and now represents virtually universal coverage', for 85 per cent of three-year-olds and 100 per cent of four-year-olds. There has also been a marked increase in the growth of the private and voluntary sectors.

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