In 2005, term-time provision generated 265m income and school holiday provision made 130m, the first-ever Out of School Market Survey found. It concluded that the expansion had been driven by increasing demand for out-of-school childcare services from working mothers and a political commitment to increased availability.
But the survey says that the current average market occupancy of clubs is only in the upper 70 per cent level and it questions whether demand can fully respond to the 'potential massive increase in capacity' over the next four years.
Author of the report, economist Philip Blackburn, said, 'Future commitment to ensure services are available in all schools by 2010 is clear. However, there is little evidence that current supply is insufficient or that overall demand is building up within the sector.'
Jackie Nunns, chief executive of out-of-school provider Kids' City, said, 'The demand is there for childcare, but the avenue for out-of-school providers to take part in the extended schools initiative has been blighted because the money sent to schools is being spent on other things.'
Anne Longfield, chief executive of the charity 4Children, said, 'A key potential vulnerability in out-of-school childcare is its disparate nature, with a major reliance on the private and voluntary sector, which in itself does not always get the support it needs.'
She added, 'As the out-of-school market continues to grow in and around schools, a major priority has to be to deepen and strengthen its base.
Bringing services together around the school will offer the potential for mainstream support and the added sustainability capacity needed.'
To order a copy of the report, priced at 400, visit www.laingbuisson.co.uk.
Extended schools provide a real opportunity to offer new support for the PVI sector.