THE VOICES OF PARENTS & CARERS

At the Scottish Out of School Care Network we believe it is important to ask families about their experience of using OSC and the impact that this has on their life.

The following selected information has been taken from our recent publication 'The service is a lifeline. Parents/carers' thoughts on OSC' which contains the results of a survey with 300 parents/carers who use OSC across Scotland.

Overall parents were very positive about their experience of using OSC- the quality of experience for the children, and the caring and professional staff were all praised. Many parents highlighted the emotional, social and practical support provided by their OSC service at times of familial stress or adversity, and how the service has improved general family circumstances, including being able to work or undertake study and training.

'SAFE - my children are safe in the service' (92% of parents/carers 'strongly agreed' or 'agreed')

'NURTURED - the staff is friendly and supportive' (91% of parents/carers 'strongly agreed' or 'agreed')

'I am happy with the quality of the service' (91% of parents/carers 'strongly agreed' or 'agreed')

'My children generally enjoy attending the service.' (90% of parents/carers 'strongly agreed' or 'agreed')

'ACTIVE - my children have access to physical plan & activities both indoors & outdoors' (90% of parents/carers 'strongly agreed' or 'agreed')

What parents/carers said about the positive impact OSC has on the lives of their children and family overall

'The staff are fantastic. They gave so much support to myself and my daughter during a particularly difficult time. They offered and helped to implement strategies – more than the school or GP.'

'I cannot thank the service enough for supporting me and my family. As a single mother who has been homeless and moved so many times with no support networks and no family to help the service were there to help me. Taking my children and helping them to adjust is the reason that I felt I could then go further in my studies and I now attend university. I have now managed for the first time in my 20 years of being on my own to build support networks and stay in a house. My family are thriving and I couldn't have done this without the service being so flexible and supportive in helping my children adapt and adjust. I also know that my children feel safe and connected enough that they would go to the service staff if there was something really troubling them. That for me is a huge support where I feel less on my own and I cannot say 'thank you' enough.'

'The after school service is amazing. I changed my hours at work last year and would not have been able to do so without this service. There is a variety of different activities which is available and is fantastic. Also helps that the staff are all friendly and brilliant at their jobs. My child loves coming here.'

'First class staff who take the time to engage my child, as he can be shy. He enjoys attending the after school service and it is invaluable.'

'The staff are outstanding. My child has the opportunity to develop his skills including leadership opportunities and participate in activities that have developed his confidence. The staff are caring and know my child very well. I am delighted with the management and staff.'

'The staff team are all amazing – they feel like a great support for my family and particularly myself as a mum. They know my children very well and I feel that I could turn to key senior members of staff at any time for a word of advice, support or reassurance- so important as I don't have my own family around me to offer this support structure. I have 100% confidence in the service provided – they are my safety net and go-to in the event of an emergency relating to the children. Because of this service I have been able to accept and sustain a full-time managerial position at work- something which could not have been possible without the service.'

'I cannot rate the service enough for my son to be truly included when he has Down's Syndrome- the difference in him is amazing. It has been a complete life line to my family.'

'My child is always happy there and I know he is being well looked after while I am at work.'

'My child has ASN and the staff could not be more accommodating with his medication and willing to help.'

'From the supervisor to all the other staff are friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable about their roles, responsibilities and the children in their care. They are motivated and provide a fantastic service. They have ensured that my child with additional support needs is included and respected within the environment. I could not rate the team highly enough.'

Read SOSCN's consultation with parents

'The Service is a Lifeline' - Parents/carers' thoughts on OSC