Loss-making children’s clubs across Perth and Kinross which are set to close due to budget cuts could stay open if parents are prepared to take over the running.
This is one option under consideration in advance of the changes which come in on July 1, while other avenues being explored include helping parents to find an alternative nursery or childminding service, or creating their own local provision.
Currently 22 children’s clubs are managed by the council for school-age youngsters and almost 75% of these operate at a loss. The council has written to all parents and carers who have children registered at clubs affected by the changes agreed at last week’s council budget.
The children’s clubs expected to close are Abernethy, Birnam and Dunkeld, Blackford, Coupar Angus, Craigie/Moncrieffe in Perth, Crieff, Comrie, Errol, Longforgan and Pitlochry, while others will have a reduced service. The overall savings from the changes will be £180,000 a year. Seven of the clubs will continue to operate as normal.
The level of subsidy prompted the council to act when it was faced with making multi-million-pound savings. During 2010/11 the projected subsidy required for 13 of these clubs ranged from £8142 to £26,288 or up to £6926 per child based on average daily attendance over a year. This compares to an average cost of £4182 per year to provide full-time education to a primary school pupil in Perth and Kinross.
A review was carried out which looked at a wide range of criteria including daily attendance, overheads including room hire, the level of subsidy required by each club and the number of families registered.
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller said, “This was not an easy decision and we are fully aware that it will mean change for some families. That is why we have written to parents and carers and arranged to meet with them.
“It is why we are committed to doing everything we can to support them in finding alternative provision, taking over their existing kids’ club or even setting up and running something new. It is also why the changes will not be implemented until July 1.
“The kids’ clubs operate a business model, which means they are intended to generate enough income to cover the cost of running the service. While 410 children are registered to use these 15 clubs during term time, only 156 children attend on average on a daily basis.”
The news has been taken hard by parents who rely on the service.
One Carse of Gowrie mother said, “On the day of the official opening of the extended school in Errol we were told that our after-school club was to close. There are no other available options locally. It is a devastating blow to a rural community.”
Depute leader of the administration Councillor George Hayton said, “Unfortunately it is not sustainable in the long term, or in the current financial climate, to continue to subsidise this service to such levels.”
The changes will not come into effect until July 1 to allow parents and carers time to make alternative arrangements. The council’s childcare strategy team will also meet with parents and carers between February 28 and March 7 to discuss the support that can be provided.
The council has a childcare information helpline on 0845 6014477 for parents and carers seeking alternative childcare. Support is provided on Monday to Thursday from 8.45am to 7pm and to 5pm on a Friday.
Information is also available at www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk
Photo used under a Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user woodleywonderworks