In September, Dawn Bowden MS, was appointed Minister for Children and Social Care, with responsibilities for early years, childcare and play, registration of services, children’s rights and safeguarding, amongst others.

We invited the Minister to experience the value of Out of School Clubs to children, families and schools, first hand by visiting a Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs’ member club at Groes-Wen in South Wales. Read more about the Minister’s visit here.

Just before the visit, Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs, alongside Cwlwm partners, was given the opportunity to communicate the value, strengths and support needs of the Out of School Childcare sector.  With particular thanks to those clubs who responded to our National Club Survey and drawing from the experiences of those we work with, we were able to be the voice of the sector and discuss:

• the benefits of play and of Out of School Clubs for children, families and communities and the wide range of wellbeing and support needs of children that were being met through quality play and socialisation opportunities in clubs;
• Financial strains on the sector and;
• The needs of the workforce.

Thank you to all of you who become members, respond to surveys and engage with us in other, more informal ways.  It is through these channels that we can communicate your strengths and needs at all levels throughout Wales.