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05/10/2005
Funding secured for out of school hours clubs
Minister for Children and Young People Jeff Rooker has secured immediate funding to resolve problems facing out-of-school-hours clubs.
The Out of School Hours Childcare programme was launched in July 1999 with a specific of ensuring good quality, affordable childcare for children aged 3-14 by providing start up funds to create new childcare places.
However a £500,000 shortly, which was highlighted during discussions with Playboard, has now been rectified, the Minister said.
"I promised that I would take steps to address the funding situation for out-of-school-hours clubs. As a result of productive discussions with PlayBoard, which placed the short-fall in the region of £500k, I am glad to announce that I have secured the necessary funding to resolve the immediate problem faced by many clubs," Mr Rooker said.
"As a Government we realise fully the importance of out-of-school hours clubs and the positive impact they have on children's health, behaviour and academic performance. That is why I was determined that we should not allow clubs to close where there remains the possibility of prolonging their important work."
Today's announcement is being made on the day the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children & Young People meets for the first time. The meeting, which will be held later today, will be chaired by the Minister for Children & Young People and will be attended by Ministers Hanson, Smith and Woodward. Permanent Secretaries from all Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office will also attend the meeting.
(MB/SP)
The Out of School Hours Childcare programme was launched in July 1999 with a specific of ensuring good quality, affordable childcare for children aged 3-14 by providing start up funds to create new childcare places.
However a £500,000 shortly, which was highlighted during discussions with Playboard, has now been rectified, the Minister said.
"I promised that I would take steps to address the funding situation for out-of-school-hours clubs. As a result of productive discussions with PlayBoard, which placed the short-fall in the region of £500k, I am glad to announce that I have secured the necessary funding to resolve the immediate problem faced by many clubs," Mr Rooker said.
"As a Government we realise fully the importance of out-of-school hours clubs and the positive impact they have on children's health, behaviour and academic performance. That is why I was determined that we should not allow clubs to close where there remains the possibility of prolonging their important work."
Today's announcement is being made on the day the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children & Young People meets for the first time. The meeting, which will be held later today, will be chaired by the Minister for Children & Young People and will be attended by Ministers Hanson, Smith and Woodward. Permanent Secretaries from all Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office will also attend the meeting.
(MB/SP)
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