School Age Childcare (PlayCare)
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Play based school age childcare
Play based school age childcare provides substantial benefits to children and their families. It enables parents to engage in work and/or training opportunities. This is particularly the case for women as research shows that 78% of women with primary school aged children are economically active (Woodland 2002). This would likely not be the case if it were not for the provision of affordable and flexible childcare.
School age childcare provision can enhance a great many opportunities for children. Out of school activities can increase social and learning experiences and the provision of play opportunities in school age childcare encourages all aspects of children’s development. It encourages independence, confidence and self esteem – generally improving a child’s quality of life.
Additionally good quality, affordable, and flexible childcare makes all the difference to children’s life chances – without it, child poverty will persist. Working parents can better manage their work and other life opportunities, as well as family life. These benefits feed back into schools, improving them through a virtuous circle of achieving children and their parents, who are more motivated to contribute to their children’s learning and development. (ContinU 2007)
PlayBoard’s mission statement is: ‘Working for the child’s right to play’; school age childcare providers are a key to ensuring that our children are afforded a myriad of play opportunities in a trusted and nurturing environment.
PlayBoard has served and supported the school age childcare sector across NI since the agency’s inception in 1985. Our society may have changed a great deal since then but the benefits of quality, affordable, flexible childcare for our children, parents and community remains constant.
Download a copy of the Independant Scoping document commissioned by PlayBoard 2009
If you would like further details on school age childcare or the projects that we support please contact Frances Walsh at PlayBoard.
