Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, said today (Wednesday) that keeping schools open before and after classes could significantly reduce the childcare costs of working parents and provide an important extra dimension to the primary education system.

“An Afterschool facility within the school can provide a fun and safe environment for children while parents work. Children are supervised by a team of experienced and qualified childcare staff who would ensure both the children’s safety and also enjoyment by offering activities including arts and crafts, board games, team sports, party games and outdoor games, and even movie time.

“I have proposed this childcare alternative to the Taoiseach and Minister for Children, James Reilly TD and have invited them along with the recently established Interdepartmental Group out to see the successful working example of after school care in the Harold School in Glasthule. I launched this childcare alternative in 2009 while I was Principal and it has gone from strength to strength. It now even offers a pre-school club called the Rise and Shine Club.

“After-school care is currently provided by one in six primary schools, but the programmes are not coordinated on a national level. Only six percent of primary schools are owned by the State and the vast majority are in private ownership. The arrangements would need the cooperation of principals, teachers, management and parents groups.

“Hard-pressed parents would greatly benefit from this practical plan which could quite easily be trialled on a nationwide basis. It is simple, community led and cost effective.

By providing the after school care in the school facility we are eliminating additional travel, costs and stress on the parents and children.”