It is exactly ten years since the start of the first Government initiative on out-of-school childcare. Over those ten years the number of out-of-school clubs has grown rapidly from around 500 to more than 8,000.
And a strange phenomenon is emerging - Government investment in childcare could become a victim of its own success as the more childcare is made available, the more people want it. According to our annual industry statistics, there is currently a major increase in provision - but rising waiting lists.
Out-of-school childcare is the fastest growing sector in the childcare field - clubs are opening at a rate of 1,000 per year yet waiting lists have grown, with 25 per cent of clubs now having a waiting list. An average waiting list can be as much as 33 per cent of the places at the club (in London the average rises to 50 per cent). Ninety-three per cent of these clubs offer after-school care, 64 per cent summer holiday schemes and 50 per cent breakfast provision.
Although there has been a major increase in out-of-school care as a result of Government support, there are still only places for around 6 per cent of school age children. This compares sharply with demand, which is enormous.
A DfES survey of parents in 2002 stated that 86 per cent of parents want more places. The current rate of expansion may need to continue for at least another ten to 15 years if demand is to be met.
Out-of-school provision is now a part of everyday life for over a million children but we must not rest on our laurels. The next goal is to make sure that school age childcare is available for all those who need it - we need an out-of-school club at every primary school by 2010.