As the last applications to support out-of-school childcare were received at the New Opportunities Fund offices (the programme closed in April after a rush of applications cancelled a June funding round except for clubs in Scotland), a communal sigh of relief could almost be heard. The programme had been completed and targets had, almost certainly, been met with around 5,000 new out-of-school clubs, and almost half a million new places, established.
The Chancellor's announcement of a new fund of 200m to create out-of-school childcare places for a million children in November 1997 was met with a similar sound - this time more a gasp of disbelief. This was the first time government had invested in a childcare programme to a six figure sum (and one that was to set a precedent for all future announcements and indeed demands for childcare) and when it came, it came for out-of-school childcare - still much in its infancy and not the more established childcare for which people had been campaigning for decades. There were some who clearly thought this was fantasy. In anyone's estimation it was a challenge, but one that all those involved in the first phase of expansion knew could be met.
Demand for out-of-school childcare is high and has continued to grow alongside places. It is also very cost effective. The past five years have seen thousands of people applying to start up out-of-school places and it won't stop there. From now on investment in the programme of expansion will come through Government itself and decisions on funding will be made locally, potentially enabling a more strategic approach with more money for sustainability. As one challenge is met, another is approaching. This time though, it's clear it isn't fantasy.
