The growing success of kids clubs means out-of-school childcare for four- to 11-year-olds is now firmly placed on the national agenda. However, what is being provided for the over-11s going to secondary school and consequently leaving their out-of-school club? The short answer is very little.
The needs of this age group are very different, and Kids' Clubs Network wants to provide clubs that are 'cool' enough to attract young people. To be sure of getting the right answer we asked teenagers what they wanted.
Their responses showed that 70 per cent of 11-to 16-year-olds believe young people commit crime because there is not enough to do and six out of ten think there is not enough to do in their area.
Based on their responses, Make Space was born - our campaign to develop a network of clubs for young people. At the heart of the Make Space club is the 'chill out' zone - a place to meet and make friends, relax and chat.
There will also be a sports zone along with art, music and drama programmes, and a quiet space for children to spend time on their own doing homework or playing on the computer.
Make Space's long term aim is to attract major funding to develop 3,000 clubs throughout England by 2015.
If you would like to join us in making it happen - call our Make Space information line on 0207 522 6960 or visit www.makespace.org.uk.
* Hollywood action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger has pursuaded Calafornian voters to support a $500m (360m) a year after-school programme.
Perhaps we'll see him at the next KCN conference.