The report, Assessment of Benefits and Costs of Out of School Care, published as part of the Executive's Insight series, observes that investment in childcare is 'a valuable tool for economic development in terms of job creation in the childcare sector as well as enabling parents, principally mothers, to return to paid work. These services represent considerable value for money, which indicates the benefits of further sustained investment in OSC.'
The report, produced by the Blake Stevenson consultancy, adds that while out-of-school clubs are essentially small businesses and should be run along business lines, 'there is an argument for continued public investment to ensure the sustainability of services, because the benefits outweigh the return on investment.' However, it points out that some services can become sustainable and do not need continued public investment.
The report says that it is 'important, if not essential, that investment in childcare is seen as a form of economic investment rather than being marginalised as a social issue'.
However, the study highlights a wide range of social benefits from out-of-school care. Children gained in confidence, self-esteem and motivation. They had access to a range of activities including free play, organised games, sports, arts and supervised homework, which complemented the educational focus of the school day, and also benefited from the opportunities for social interaction with children of different ages and ethnic backgrounds or with additional needs.
Parents and carers gained access to support as well as training or work, and had a chance of respite from their caring responsibilities. Communities stood to benefit from the provision of activities which counteracted anti-social behaviour, while employers were better off because of the reduction of employee stress.
But the researchers also note that there is only limited data and evidence about the effectiveness of out-of-school provision, and suggest there is a need for a long-term, or longitudinal, study.
The report is available on www.scotland.gov.uk.
