Childcare providers are set to ask schools if they can use their facilities to offer before and after-school and holiday childcare.
Childcare providers and Childminders will be able to approach schools to see if it is possible to use their facilities to offer this service, this is due to recent announced plans regarding giving parents the right to request childcare before and after-school,
A consultation has been announced calling views from school and childcare providers on how this idea will work in practice. By offering this extended childcare service it will enable parents to work longer hours should they want to and by offering this childcare option it will help parents with the challenges of sourcing childcare,
Schools are expected to consult with childcare providers regarding the use of the school facilities and the draft guidance gives a clear picture for schools in regard to taking the lead in managing the right to the ‘request process’. It will be down to the governing bodies that will make the final decision on what action is to be taken.
Schools must be open and communicate effectively in dealing with parental and childcare provider’s requests and they should also be clear about the objectives set.
A move forward would be for schools to approach childcare providers to run the before and after school and holiday childcare, this can either be done on site or off site. It may be wise for schools to assess the demand across nearby schools and potential offer the service at one site. If childcare providers aren’t able to use the schools facilities transporting children from school to nursery can have its challenges.
- The consultation runs until 29 February. Read the consultation and accompanying advice.