School Age Childcare Thematic Working Group
The group has recently completed research on School Age Childcare in Dublin City. This research details the challenges of the school age sector as well as providing a template for future development. The research was launched by Mr. Barry Andrews T.D., Minister for children and youth affairs on the 7th October 2009. If you would like to download the full report please go here
The development of a School Age Childcare thematic working group was one of DCCC’s objectives in its Strategic Plan 2007-2010. According to DCCC’s Childcare Audit and Needs Analysis 2006 there is a defined shortage of afterschool care in all five administrative areas of the city. School age childcare was one of the most cited forms of ‘ideal’ childcare among the parents surveyed in Dublin City in 2006. This makes school age childcare an area of high importance to DCCC and therefore the development of school age childcare services is a key objective for DCCC moving forward. Under DCCC’s Action Plan, a citywide thematic group was established to address the issues surrounding school age childcare. This group has responsibility for gathering data on the current level of school age childcare available in Dublin City, exploring barriers which are preventing provision, and recommending proactive strategic responses.
The school age childcare thematic working group held fivemeetings in 2009. The group is comprised of one representative from each of the following groups: Five LCRCs, Children Services Unit of Dublin City Council, Community after Schools Project (Caspr), Barnardos, Dublin City Partnership. Primary Schools in Ballyfermot and Ranelagh, Private Childcare Providers, and Community Childcare Providers. A DCCC business support officer acts as a coordinator of the group.
One of the main aims of this group as outlined by the Dublin City Childcare Committee’s strategic plan for 2007 – 2010, is to provide a strong representative structure for the sector at citywide level.
If you would like to know more about the group’s aims, objectives and work programme, or if you are interested in attending future meetings, please contact Stephen Barry, Business Support Officer. Tel: 8897125, Email: stephen@dccc.ie