KCNfigures show that the number of clubs has increased from 3,500 in 1997 to 7,000 today. The charity is calling for more funds to raise the number to 20,000 by 2010, as well as increased subsidies for clubs in disadvantaged areas, wider access to school premises and more trained staff.
Anne Longfield, KCNchief executive, said, 'This is an important improvement for childcare but one which Kids' Clubs Network believes should be seen as the first phase of development. What is needed now is a ten-year plan, which brings together gains to date and sets them within a wider context for long-term growth and development of this crucial sector.' The New Opportunities Fund has provided 200m to create 865,000 out-of-school childcare places by 2003. KCN estimates that the number of clubs will have risen to about 12,000 by 2004, but that a further 200m will be needed to cover start-up costs to reach its 20,000 target.
KCN is pressing for a 90m annual subsidy to help clubs in poorer areas. It points out that out-of-school clubs are mainly funded by parents' fees, but many cannot afford the fees because they are training or searching for work.
It also calls on schools to let their premises be used for community activities after school and during holidays, and it wants a fast-track programme to provide the 150,000 qualified and trained staff who will be needed to support the Government's plans for expanding childcare over the next five years.
Earlier this month KCN called for a major expansion of out-of-school provision for 11-to 14-year-olds. It says children of this age need a distinct type of provision, with a more hands-off role taken by the adults supervising them.