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Original poster

Hugely different provision in neighbouring LA's for summer childcare

47 replies

Twoweeksinaugust · 26/07/2026 09:23

I really can't understand how our neighbouring LA are so well organised and efficient that every child aged 5-11 is being offered free childcare, with lunch provided, Mon - Fri, 10-3 for a month of the summer. Our LA is offering a few parent supervised play days in the local park.

We know how many dc go without a decent meal in the summer, this scheme could improve lives so much, plus give kids lovely play opportunities and a bit of structure whilst parents get a small break.

Would this blow your mind if you were local to it?

OP posts:
basketsmash · 26/07/2026 10:25

I think it’s a great idea

Thunderdcc · 26/07/2026 10:24

NotAnotherScarf · 26/07/2026 10:20

And what about us without children needing care? Why should I fund it?

Tin hat firmly on....awaiting in coming

Because if they are bored and roaming the streets they might vandalise your car 😂😂😂

Swiftie1878 · 26/07/2026 10:22

Twoweeksinaugust · 26/07/2026 10:18

@Shinyandnew1 it's Torfaen
https://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/EducationLearning/ChildrenandYoungPeople/PlayService/PlaySchemes/Play-Schemes.aspx

Stunning! Who knew?!
This is so valuable and so, so rare!!

fishonabicycle · 26/07/2026 10:22

Reform control mine and have cancelled food for children this summer.

Thunderdcc · 26/07/2026 10:21

It is a good thing and I hope it makes a real difference to some families.

The problem with 10-3 is a lot of min wage jobs might find it hard to manage the logistics - retail workers can't really say oh sorry I won't be in until 10.15. But equally it is a lot easier to find someone who is prepared to have your kids for 2 hours before this club rather than a full 8 hour day.

NotAnotherScarf · 26/07/2026 10:20

And what about us without children needing care? Why should I fund it?

Tin hat firmly on....awaiting in coming

OP posts:
Lemonorzo · 26/07/2026 10:14

10-3 isn’t for a working parent. Lots of the ones I had to use were like that. Add on a 30 minute drive it’s only 4 hours in work.
My daughter is grown up now but it was an incredibly stressful time trying to manage. It does need sorting. I didn’t even mind paying but it just didn’t exist. She hated going to the childminders as there was often very young children and no one of her age.
If she played football there were lots of clubs available.

Shinyandnew1 · 26/07/2026 10:12

Which LA is this, @Twoweeksinaugust?

ProudCat · 26/07/2026 10:09

AnonyMumAuDHD · 26/07/2026 10:07

This is just the type of scheme that our taxes should be going towards. Not universal breakfast clubs - but quality summer childcare provision that enables parents to work pretty much FT in the holidays in the knowledge that their kids are safe, fed, exercised and stimulated. Frustrating that it’s, effectively, another postcode lottery as to whether your child gets the opportunity though.

A million times this.

AnonyMumAuDHD · 26/07/2026 10:07

This is just the type of scheme that our taxes should be going towards. Not universal breakfast clubs - but quality summer childcare provision that enables parents to work pretty much FT in the holidays in the knowledge that their kids are safe, fed, exercised and stimulated. Frustrating that it’s, effectively, another postcode lottery as to whether your child gets the opportunity though.

MySnappySloth · 26/07/2026 09:41

The same reason neighbouring areas can have vastly different NHS waiting times, dental provision, CYPSS intervention and so on.

Different areas, different budgets, different pressures, different demographics.

SurreySenMum26 · 26/07/2026 09:40

Well I'm in Surrey and they are broke. So no charity donations to any of the SEN / disability groups. Massive cuts to the disability playgroups. They are broke.

basketsmash · 26/07/2026 09:39

Do you mean the HAF programme?

basketsmash · 26/07/2026 09:37

Which LA? And every child is eligible?

Original poster
Twoweeksinaugust · 26/07/2026 09:34

@GingerAndTheBiscuits no it's not suitable if you work, but if you're relying on grandparents etc for childcare then it lowers the burden on them hugely. Some employers also offer flexi time etc, so you could possibly make it work.
@myrtleWilson apparently a mix of applying for grants and funding, and clever accounting. My LA are absolutely useless in comparison.

OP posts:
MargaretThursday · 26/07/2026 09:33

Which LA is offering fully free?

I'm wondering if it's the one near dsis who was telling me with equal indignation - turned out to be just those on PP, which as they earn well into the six digit salary they weren't eligible for anyway.

myrtleWilson · 26/07/2026 09:30

How are they funding universal provision?

Original poster
Twoweeksinaugust · 26/07/2026 09:30

@ProudCat Both Labour councils, @GingerAndTheBiscuits every child

OP posts:
gingercat02 · 26/07/2026 09:29

10-3 is no good if you work

GingerAndTheBiscuits · 26/07/2026 09:28

Every child? Not just those eligible for HAF?

ProudCat · 26/07/2026 09:26

Would love to know which political party controls each of the respective councils.

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