Funding of £5.5 million for the Extra Time programme, which
provides free activities clubs before school, after school and
during the school holidays for primary age pupils, will support
families on low incomes outwith school.
On a visit to the St Mirren Charitable Foundation's Extra Time
service at Kirklandneuk Primary School in Renfrew, Social Justice
Secretary saw how the
programme is helping parents to get into and stay in work or
training, or increase their working hours.
The 2025 Extra Time Evaluation Report, published today by the
Scottish FA, highlights the potential for the scheme to support
the Scottish Government's priorities of growing the economy and
eradicating child poverty.
Ms Somerville said:
“The Extra Time programme is helping us to better understand how
providing activities clubs before school, after school and during
the holidays can improve outcomes for families on low incomes by
supporting parents into work, training, studying or providing
respite.
“We are increasing our funding by £1.5 million to invest £5.5
million this year to expand the Extra Time Programme – increasing
the number of football clubs and trusts we are working with from
31 to 53. This national programme will provide around 5,000
children and their families on low incomes with access to vital
services.
“The evaluation demonstrates that, as well as helping realise our
priorities in growing the economy and eradicating child poverty,
the Extra Time programme is supporting kids with their school
attendance and attainment, helping tackle food insecurity and
improving children's health and wellbeing.”
Background:
Football clubs and trusts are taking a variety of approaches to
test and deliver provision that suits the needs of families in
their communities.
This includes working with local schools and other community
partners to deliver breakfast clubs, after school clubs, weekend
provision and holiday clubs. Some clubs are also considering the
impact of in-service days and school closures on families to
provide full day activity sessions.
Many of the clubs have been considering how to best support
parents and carers as part of their projects – for example,
working in partnership with local services to deliver
employability courses, and offering SFA coaching qualifications.
