Nursery World - Out-of-school sector attacks funding cuts

The out-of-school sector has hit out at children's secretary Ed Balls after he detailed plans to cut 100m from after-school club funding, despite a Government target that all primary schools should offer extended services by September 2010 (News, 11 March).

Catherine French, one of the founders of the Out of School Alliance, a national organisation providing help and support for out-of-school clubs, said, 'The Government has set a deadline for all primary schools to be able to offer out-of-school provision by September. How will people be able to establish this provision if there is no funding available? The Government has brought out the stick but taken away the carrot.'

She added, 'When I started my out-of-school club I had only four children, but this grew to 25. Unless you have the funding behind you there is no way you can carry on until your numbers grow. No parents are going to send their children to a club they think might close three or four months down the line.'

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