A new School Age Childcare (SAC) Policy, in recognition of the increased need for wraparound care once children start primary school, has been approved by Aberdeen City Council today (Tuesday 17 September 2024).
Following the national implementation of Early Learning and Childcare expansion, there has been a natural increase in demand for School Age Childcare, as parents and carers look to secure continuity of childcare when their children start primary school.
The Council’s Education Service’s Early Learning and Childcare consultation with parents and carers in June 2023, found that 45.2% of respondents, indicated that they will require School Age Childcare when their child(ren) start primary school. Unlike Early Learning and Childcare provision, School Age Childcare is not a statutory service.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “The School Age Childcare Policy will enable the Council’s Education Service to continue to work with existing and future partners to best meet the needs of children, families and communities, including school communities.
“The provision of school age childcare is crucial to help tackle child poverty, to promote family wellbeing, drive greater gender equality and to #Keep The Promise to our care experienced children.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “School Age Childcare provision is not statutory, however it is a crucial service for many families who rely on it to enable them to work or study. It contributes positively to the economic development of the city as well as helping improve outcomes for children and young people.”
The report that went before members of the committee today explained how School Age Childcare services play a vital role within communities, offering a variety of options which families can rely on to support their childcare needs before and after school, and during the school holidays.
The provision of sustainable, registered School Age Childcare will support more families to take up employment and training opportunities, which will help to reduce poverty. This will contribute to the Council’s commitment to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) and the key objective to achieve a 74% employment rate for Aberdeen by 2026.
The new policy replaces the previous Out of School Care Policy (2017).
The committee report (item 9.2) on the School Age Childcare (SAC) Policy is available to view here.