Extensive changes recommended

Extensive changes recommended for out of school childcare services

School’s back and for many parents this marks the beginning of ongoing headaches and frustration as they struggle to find after-school care for their children.

Demand is growing for school holiday programmes and childcare services before and after school. The Families Commission has consulted with parents and children on the quality, affordability and accessibility of these out of school childcare services. As a result the Commission is now making a series of recommendations to the Government for extensive change.

These include significantly increasing government investment to build up the number of services, particularly those based at schools. The Commission says minimum quality standards for services and staff need to be introduced and that the current subsidy system should be switched to a universal funding model so that all families are eligible for subsidised services at a minimal cost. More funding is also needed for services for children with special needs, and funding needs to be flexible to support home-based care for some families, such as those in rural areas, or working unusual hours.

“Most families we talked to said they don’t use out of school services, but would if they were affordable, accessible and available. Some families said they can’t afford the fees, don’t have a way to transport their children to services, or have no suitable programmes in their area. They also thought the current subsidy system was unfair, with many families unable to get into an ‘approved’ service either because of the cost, or because there isn’t one in their area. People also find the process of applying for a subsidy to be unnecessarily complex and they don’t like having to access funding through a Work and Income office,” said Rajen Prasad, Chief Commissioner of the Families Commission.

The Commission’s consultation and report When School’s Out has been carried out to inform the development of a five-year action plan for out of school services, led by the Ministry for Social Development. The Commission wants to make sure that the views of families are heard and that future services are developed with families in mind.

“Parents and carers say they want more than babysitting and that services should offer choices between relaxing, fun, educational, and recreational and cultural activities.
Research shows quality out of school services can boost children’s health, social, behavioural and educational development. They should be accessible to all families, not just those in paid work,” he said.

More funding as well as service planning will allow the sector to grow and provide services that suit a range of families, including those with special needs, he said.

ENDS

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