School age childcare services - regulation review: feasibility study – final options appraisal

3. What is the current experience of those using and delivering school age childcare in Scotland?

There has been a comprehensive set of engagement activity and research undertaken by the Scottish Government and others over a number of years which informs our understanding of the needs of those who use SACC. The key pieces of research and engagement are listed in Annex A, while Annex B provides a summary of the main issues raised by SACC providers in recent engagement sessions.

3.1 Parents and Carers

Parents and Carers consistently state that they need school age childcare to be affordable and flexible to enable them to enter into or maintain employment. However, for many families it is extremely challenging to find childcare which they can afford and which fits around their needs. This is exacerbated in situations where parents are on lower incomes, live in rural areas or where children have additional support needs or disabilities. The problems also become particularly acute during school holiday periods when school based and other term-time only activities stop, and there is an increased pressure on families balancing employment and childcare.

3.2 Children

Children particularly value choice and fun. They want to be able to try different activities and make their own decisions about how they spend their time. They value a supportive environment in which they can relax and be with friends. The Children’s Charter demonstrates that children appreciate having a space which is just for them and in which they have agency to decide how they spend their time. We know that many children choose to participate in activities such as clubs run by schools, or local sporting or cultural activities, and that they value the experiences that these activities provide.

3.3 SACC Providers

SACC providers are proud of their important role in caring for and supporting school age children and want to be valued for that specific role. Some providers have highlighted the one-dimensional nature of qualification requirements for daycare of children’s services, noting that they would like recognition of a broader range of qualifications so that they can attract a more diverse workforce. They also highlight the challenges qualifications requirements can cause with attracting people to come and work in services, particularly to carry out a part time role.