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Bottom of the class in after school provision
Bedfordshire is one of the worst places in the country when it comes to providing breakfast and after-school clubs, according to new statistics
Figures released by the Government show that just over half of our
primary schools provide the full range of services recommended by the Government.
Of 146 primary schools, just 75 provide all the extended services, which means a variety of activities taking place from 8am to 6pm for 48 weeks of the year.
Only one other education authority, Manchester, had a lower proportion.
Henry Vann, the Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Bedford and Kempston, said: "This is an appalling hole in the provision our primary schools make for pupils living in Beds.
"Extended services include things like breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and, at some schools, supper. Those kinds of activities can make a huge difference to people whose working hours don't fit with taking their children to school for 9am or picking them up at 3.30pm, by giving them extra flexibility.
"Financially it means parents don't have to pay for expensive childcare. But this affects people of all incomes, as every parent wants to feel their children are somewhere safe that they feel comfortable."
Education in Beds is run by the county council, and covers 217 state schools.
The county did slightly better when it came to extended service provision for all ages, with 55.76 per cent, or 121 schools, providing the full range of services.
Mr Vann said: "It is particularly appalling for primary schools to be lagging behind, as young children are the ones most likely to need care.
"This should be addressed as a matter of urgency."
Councillor Rita Drinkwater, cabinet member for education at County Hall, said targets were being met.
She said: "Bedfordshire County Council is set to meet all the national targets for the delivery of extended services across the county.
"We have exceeded the interim targets set by the Government to date – 25 per cent of schools in 2007 and 50 per cent of schools in 2008.
"The target for September 2009 is 85 per cent and we are confident we will meet this percentage by the end of the academic year.
"The Government's expectation is that all schools in the country will deliver extended services by September 2010 and I am confident this will be achieved in Bedfordshire."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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