21. Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action she is taking to improve the regulation of after-school clubs. [64416]
§ Margaret HodgeLast year we transferred responsibility for the registration and inspection of under 8s child care, including after-school clubs, from local authorities to the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). At the same time we introduced National Standards and there is a specific set of criteria covering out of school care. A national scheme will bring improvements to the regulation of after-school clubs, not least a more consistent approach across England. Earlier this year we consulted on proposals for a scheme for certifying child care providers' suitability to look after older children, and we will be looking carefully at the results of that consultation as these proposals are taken forward.