Policy & Practice: Policy into practice - School playschemes moveinto mainstream

Many parents struggle to find childcare over the summer and, even ifplaces are found, the cost for many is often difficult to meet. Lastsummer, the average UK family spent 75 a week per child onholiday schemes. While in many areas of the country this is still thecase, the growing success of school-based provision is making a real andtangible difference.

Holiday playschemes run in schools, in conjunction with a variety oflocal providers, are rapidly becoming some of the most cost-effectiveand appealing options for both children and parents.

Surrey County Council, for instance, is co-ordinating a wide range ofholiday provision that brings together pupils from 11 schools andtargets children who might not otherwise have access to such activities.The holiday club is run by a non-profit company and offers a range ofactivities such as cricket, tennis, cookery, and arts and crafts. Thesessions pool resources from the schools, sports coaches, and localproviders, such as the YMCA. One infants' school and one junior schoolare jointly offering childcare provision for all 11 schools.