Out-of-school Clubs

HC Deb 09 February 1998 vol 306 cc43-4W

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many out-of-school clubs there are; and if he will make a statement. [27649]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The out-of-school child care Initiative has supported the development of 206 child care clubs providing 4,500 child care places since its inception in 1993.

I have increased the level of funding for this initiative in 1998–99 by 300% to a new level of £900,000. I anticipate that this will support a further 30 child care clubs and 650 more child care places for school age children. This demonstrates our commitment to the development of child care in Wales to enable women in particular to re-enter the labour market or re-train. This initiative helps support our Welfare to Work programme and will contribute to the Childcare Strategy for Wales.