Open schools up during the summer as "community hubs" where children can take part in activities and keep up with their studies through outdoor learning, say the Scottish Conservatives They argue that deprived pupils face a "summer slide" of inaction, during which they lose ground on academic skills in relation to wealthier peers who are off on activities and holidays. By opening schools working parents would also enjoy a respite from the cost of childcare, which disproportionately affects poorer families.
Public health spokesman for the Scottish Conservative Brian Whittle said that keeping children occupied during the holidays can be a full-time job for parents who already have to work: “Schools have the facilities there – so why is it that so many should be under lock and key for the holiday period when the wider community could be making use of them?"
The initiative has been proffered after the positive uptake of the Children in Scotland’s Food, Families, Futures (FFF) project, which saw 4,000 places taken up by children, parents and guardians attending school and community clubs as part of the initiative during the summer holidays. The FFF project scheme was inspired by the difficulties faced by many families when the free school meal entitlement ends over the summer. Successful FFF pilots ran last summer at Ibrox and Dalmarnock Primaries, when a total of 140 children registered to attend the clubs.
Children in Scotland’s Chief Executive Jackie Brock said: “We are delighted by the impact FFF has made over the summer. But we are also aware that the demand for places highlights the real problems many families continue to face – and the urgent need for support and outreach to be strengthened. We hope that the project made a difference to them over the summer.”
Eileen Prior, Executive Director of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council described the idea as a positive initiative, but highlighted the presence of already active schemes: "The reality is that this is happening in some areas already. In some areas schools stay open in part to provide children with a meal where families are struggling and during term time they would normally get a free lunch.But school are community resources and shouldn’t just close because it is the summer."
Deputy First Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney outlined the provision already in place, he said: "During the school break, I announced funding of £45 million of attainment funding on a visit to Newark Primary School Holiday Club in Port Glasgow where a range of opportunities for families to learn and play together were available."
Find out more about out of school time provision and activities with our dedicated bank of reviewed providers.
