The development of out-of-school clubs is undoubtedly one of this Government's success stories to date - the rate of growth since 1997 has been so fast we are predicting a fourfold increase in the number of clubs by 2004 - yet there is still much to be achieved for school-age childcare, in particular a further increase of new places and more help to sustain clubs in areas of disadvantage.
The move to locate more clubs in schools, as part of an extended schools programme, may provide a solution for some clubs for which sustainability is a big issue - especially in areas of disadvantage and in rural areas where there is limited accommodation. The Education Bill, which is being debated by Government, paves the way for greater involvement of schools in childcare. This will be welcomed by many parents and existing out-of-school clubs, which have struggled to gain access to school premises to date.
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