By 2010, all schools are expected to be extended schools with childcare, for those who need it, alongside a wider range of support. Rising to the challenge, as well as needing to work more closely with other professionals, will require significant development in many areas.
One of these is the number of men working with children. Overall they have stayed at a barely visible 2 per cent of the workforce. But out-of-school settings continue to buck the trend, with more than half of all providers employing a male playworker, and 12 per cent of out-of-school workers being men. In London, 35 per cent of playworkers are male.
Evidence shows that many men see childcare as low status work. But as children get older and caring for them includes the broader aspects of learning, development and play, the work becomes acceptable to more men.
The issue of pay and conditions also makes a real difference to men working in childcare. Pay scales for playworkers in parts of London are consistently higher than other areas and sectors. Ensuring improved pay and conditions for all children's workers must be a key priority in workforce development.
The growth of the out-of-school workforce offers enormous opportunities and challenges. A move towards integrated practice, backed up by integrated qualifications, will be key. Diversity in the workforce, including black and ethnic minority groups, will be crucial. Leadership and management will be central. But in five years' time, working with children out of school should be recognised for the importance it undoubtedly has.