The survey of out-of-school clubs in England found one in four has a long waiting list for places. KCNchief executive Anne Longfield said, 'Although there has been a major increase in provision as a result of Government support, there are still only places for around 6 per cent of school-age children. This compares sharply with the enormous demand for out-of-school provision.'
A separate survey of parents by the Department for Education and Skills in 2002 found that 86 per cent of parents wanted more out-of-school places.
The situation is worst in London, where waiting lists average 50 per cent of a club's capacity.
The spread of out-of-school provision throughout England was also an issue, Ms Longfield said, but it was levelling out across the country, with about 40 per cent of provision in rural areas. She added that the major problem was London, where 12 per cent of children live but which has only 7 per cent of all out-of-school clubs.
Ms Longfield also pointed out that it was now ten years since the first Government funding was announced to create 500 clubs and that the number of clubs has grown to 8,000. But sustainability was a major concern, with 25 per cent of clubs operating at a loss, rising to 61 per cent in disadvantaged areas.
She said, 'The door is open to sustainability in terms of Government thinking. The amount of money is yet to be announced, but it is there for the first time.'
She described Sure Start minister Catherine Ashton's earlier announcement about the role of extended schools and children's centres as 'significant'
and added, 'The fact that we now have a recognition that joined-up services meet need best is very welcome.'
Ms Longfield said about 40 per cent of out-of-school clubs were voluntary-sector managed but the growing trend for private providers, many originating from day nurseries, was evidence of the joined-up approach in action. 'The priority now is to continue this growth, to offer more support in areas of disadvantage and to streamline and simplify the way that funding is made available.'
She said, 'Delivery, delivery, delivery has to be the mantra', adding that Government investment would need to continue for up to 20 years to reach the desired level of provision and quality.