After the Bell by New Philanthropy Capital, an independent charity setup to advise donors and funders on how to give more effectively, saysthat children on free school meals are 'considerably less likely' totake part in after-school activities.
The report provides a guide to out-of-school funding to potentiallyinterested parties. It emphasises that Government funding is oftenfragmented, with providers' costs only partially covered, and forproviders sustainability is a major concern. It also gives local casestudies showing the benefits that clubs can have for children.
Author Clare Yeowart said, 'Our report highlights a number of greatcharities that are having a positive impact on children's lives.However, it also identifies the need for donor support if many of thesecharities are going to survive and grow.'
The report says that Ofsted and the DCSF evaluation of 148 extendedschools are the closest thing available to a national audit ofout-of-school provision. It says that funding a school or authoritydirectly is the best way to avoid duplication of services.
The charity advises donors to help programmes establish sustainabilityin the long-term through diversifying income streams or buildingpartnership. On a wider scale, it suggests that funding out-of-schoolco-ordinators at school and local authority level is an effective way toput programmes on a firm footing.
After the Bell can be read at www.philanthropycapital.org.
