Written question WQ88384

There is no specific requirement for local authorities to provide holiday clubs, after school clubs and wrap around care in mainstream or specialist schools.

However, as referenced in my response to WQ88289, local authorities have a duty to secure as far as is reasonably possible sufficient childcare to enable parents to work or train. To help them fulfil this duty local authorities undertake Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs) which enable them to assess the supply and demand for childcare for all parents, including those with children who have special educational needs or require specialist care due to disability. The CSAs are undertaken every 5 years and published on local authority websites. The most recent CSAs were completed in 2022. Local authorities also produce actions plans to address any gaps in provision which have been highlighted within their CSA.

Local authorities receive allocated funding from Welsh Government through the Childcare and Play element of the Children and Communities Grant to help address any identified gaps in their CSAs. In determinising how best to use this funding they are asked to ensure special consideration and support is given to the childcare and play needs of families with children who have additional needs. Local authorities have discretion in determining how best to use this funding in order to support their local areas.

Where a school community is interested in providing out of school childcare or holiday clubs, they should contact their local authority in the first instance.

The local Family Information Service provides information on out of school clubs and holiday play schemes running in local areas.