NO: Ceri Davies, director of programme development, YMCA England
The YMCA believes the critical factor in after-school provision is the quality of professional relationships. Our experience is that delivering childcare in schools does not hinder these relationships. The choice of activities for children and greater informality enable children to differentiate between their formal education and after-school clubs. In some instances the positive experience of a disillusioned pupil at an after-school club can make their time at school more productive.
YES: John Bateman, chief executive, UK Youth
Many young people, especially from disadvantaged and rural communities, are already excluded from school provision for a variety of reasons; others choose not to engage in activity at school after the final bell. The Government's consultation document Every Child Matters admits: "Most young people thought school could be a good place for extra services. But it should not be the only place." We should pay greater heed to such voices before diverting limited resources away from youth work.
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