Shaping the Future of School Age Childcare in Scotland

Audrey Anderson, SOSCN CEO

Now that the dust is beginning to settle on the Scottish parliamentary elections, we at SOSCN are looking at what needs to be urgently taken forward with the new government and its relevant Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers, to continue the work that will help shape and develop the school age childcare (SACC) sector in Scotland.

This is a pivotal time for the sector with the consultation on the new framework closing soon on the 18th of May. We have completed our response, which you can read here, and our clear call is to ensure that SACC is properly recognised, valued, and most importantly, supported. This is what we feel is necessary to ensure that current services are sustainable, and new services are developed in a sensible way that recognises the value of all the excellent work already being carried out by services across the country.

As your membership organisation, we are working hard to make sure your voice is heard in this consultation, and every day beyond that.

Whether you are:

• a registered provider offering school age childcare,
• a playworker or practitioner,
• a parent or carer,
• or a partner organisation with an interest in the sector,

our collective voice matters.

The Need for Change

For many years, school age childcare has been regulated under the same framework as Early Learning and Childcare (ELC). While Scotland's ELC sector has rightly received significant investment and development, SACC services have not benefited from the same level of recognition or financial support. Having worked in the ELC sector myself for many years before coming into this role, I know how ELC has benefitted from this. However, SACC is fundamentally different from early years provision.

SACC services are non-statutory, relationship-based, and centred around play, leisure, and social development for children that are older than those attending ELC. They provide spaces where children can:

• relax after school,
• build friendships,
• develop resilience and confidence,
• and experience a sense of belonging.

Playwork professionals are central to this experience. Their role goes far beyond supervision; they create environments where children can freely play, connect, and thrive.

The relationships children develop with peers and staff in these settings are crucial for their mental health, wellbeing, and identity development.

Why a New Legal Definition Matters

One of the key elements of the framework consultation looks at having a legal definition of what “SACC” means, in a similar way to the legal definition that already exists for Daycare of Children. SACC is an essential lifeline for families across Scotland and every day, thousands of children attend breakfast clubs, after-school services, and holiday programmes that provide safe, nurturing, and play-rich environments while parents work or study. Yet despite the vital role these services play, the SACC sector has too often been overlooked in policy, funding, and recognition.

A new legal definition for SACC would present a major opportunity for the sector, families, and communities, to help shape the future of these services.

Why a Separate Legal Definition Is Important

The Scottish Government is proposing a distinct legal definition for school age childcare because the current classification under “day care of children” does not accurately reflect the purpose and nature of SACC services.

A new definition could:

• Recognise the Unique Value of SACC

  School Age Childcare is different from Early Learning and Childcare and should be recognised in its own right as an essential support for children, families, and communities.

• Create More Appropriate Regulation

  A separate definition could lead to regulations specifically designed for school-aged children, rather than adapting systems created for toddlers and nursery-aged children.

This includes:

• qualification requirements,
• paperwork and administration,
• staffing structures,
• premises expectations.

Improve Sustainability Across the Sector

More proportionate and relevant regulation could help services become more sustainable, flexible, and accessible for families.

It could also support workforce growth by recognising a broader range of skills, experiences, and qualifications, within the playwork profession.

Key Issues Within the Consultation

The consultation asks for views on several important areas that will shape the future of the sector.

Play vs Care

Many providers believe school age childcare should explicitly recognise “play”, but the “care” provided to the child or young person attending the service is the priority.

SACC services are not simply places where children are looked after while parents work. They are environments where children can play freely, socialise, rest, and enjoy leisure time; strongly supporting Article 31 of the UNCRC.

Recognising play within the legal definition would better reflect the holistic role these services provide.

The Age Range (5–16)

The current framework applies to children up to the age of 16. The consultation asks whether this remains appropriate.

SOSCN believes flexibility is essential.

The current approach allows for:

• smooth transitions for children moving from ELC into school age childcare,
• continued support for older children attending secondary school,
• and specialist support for children with additional support needs up to age 18.

A rigid age limit could unintentionally exclude children and families who rely on these services.

Regulation and Exemptions

Currently, services operating for fewer than two hours do not need to register with the Care Inspectorate.

Views across the sector are mixed, but concerns have been raised around safeguarding, consistency, and the growth of unregistered provision.

SOSCN's position is clear:

If a child is left in the care of a school age childcare service without a parent or legal carer present, there should be no exemption from regulation.

This is essential to protect children, maintain standards, and support the long-term sustainability of the regulated SACC sector.

What Providers Are Saying

Discussions with providers and members across the sector have highlighted both optimism and concern.

Key themes emerging include:

• a lack of visibility and dedicated support for school age childcare,
• confusion caused by the term “Early Learning and Childcare” being used interchangeably,
• insufficient support for children with Additional Support Needs (ASN),
• concerns about unregistered and unregulated provision,
• safeguarding risks and sustainability challenges,
• the importance of children's right to play, rest, and leisure,
• and the need for a proportionate regulatory framework that allows services to grow and thrive.

The message from providers is clear:

While investment in early years is essential, children do not stop needing support once they start school, and parents do not stop needing childcare. School age childcare is essential too, for children, families, and even wider society and the economy.

Why This Consultation Matters

This is more than an administrative change.

It is an opportunity for the school age childcare sector to define itself and ensure that policy, regulation, and investment reflect the realities of the services children and families depend on every day.

The decisions made now will shape the future of school age childcare in Scotland for years to come.

A strong legal definition could:

• strengthen the playwork profession,
• improve access to flexible childcare,
• support family wellbeing and employment,
• and ensure children continue to benefit from safe, enriching environments outside school hours.

How You Can Take Part

Everyone connected to school age childcare is encouraged to respond to the consultation before the 18th of May 2026.

You can help by:

• reviewing the consultation paper,
• submitting your views online,
• and supporting the proposal for a distinct legal definition for SACC.

Even a short response can make a difference.

You can view SOSCN's response to the consultation here.

Now is the time to ensure school age childcare is recognised for the vital and unique role it plays in children's lives, family wellbeing, and Scotland's future.

As Scotland enters a new phase of government, SOSCN will continue working with providers, families, and communities to ensure that the experiences of children and the sector meaningfully shape the future development and expansion of school age childcare.

Respond the to consultation at the link below

School age childcare: a new legal definition