Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs is delighted to announce the successful award of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, securing vital ongoing support for the Out of School Childcare sector across Wales for a further three years.

This significant investment will enable the continuation and expansion of the organisation’s Thriving Childcare Communities project, building on proven success and ensuring sustained support for the sector to meet growing demand and ongoing challenges.

Over the next three years, the programme will directly support more than 11,400 beneficiaries, including children, Playworkers, and volunteer committees, while enabling up to 19,730 parents and carers to continue working or training with confidence that their children are safe, supported, and thriving.

The impact of the funding will extend far beyond these direct beneficiaries. Resources, training, and sector support developed through the project are expected to benefit hundreds of childcare settings across Wales, supporting tens of thousands of children to access safe, inclusive and high-quality play opportunities.

Strengthening support for a vital sector

Out of School Childcare is a critical part of Wales’ communities and economy, supporting children’s wellbeing while enabling parents and carers to work, train, and sustain family life.

This funding secures structured, targeted support for the sector, helping to address ongoing challenges including financial sustainability, workforce shortages, and increasing demand for flexible childcare provision.

Through this new phase of funding, Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs will:

• Strengthen the sustainability of childcare provision across Wales
• Support the recruitment and development of a skilled Playwork workforce
• Enhance governance, quality and inclusivity within childcare settings
• Expand opportunities for children to access enriching, community-based play experiences

The project will also continue to position Out of School Childcare clubs as vital “third places” in communities — spaces where children can connect, belong, and thrive outside of home and school.

Targeted investment to sustain and grow the sector

The funding will provide practical, hands-on support to settings and communities across Wales, including:

• Business and sustainability support for childcare settings
• Introductory Playwork training to provide an accessible entry point into the profession, recruit new Playworkers from local communities, and establish clear pathways for career development and progression.
• Support to improve quality, governance, and safeguarding
• Help to increase childcare places and extend provision to meet local need

By strengthening both the infrastructure and workforce of the sector, the project will help ensure that Out of School Childcare provision remains accessible, sustainable, and high quality for families across Wales.

A proven model for sector support

This award builds on the success of previous National Lottery funding, which has demonstrated the effectiveness of tailored, community-led support for the sector and strong ongoing demand from childcare providers, families, and partners

The project has been shaped through extensive engagement with parents, childcare settings, and stakeholders across Wales, ensuring that support is relevant, responsive, and evidence-based.

Welcoming the award

Jane O’Toole, Chief Executive of Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this vital funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

This investment ensures that the Out of School Childcare sector continues to receive the structured support it needs to remain sustainable and to grow.

It will allow us to work alongside our community, to strengthen provision, develop the workforce and ensure that children across Wales have access to high-quality, inclusive play opportunities.

We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved so far and excited to continue supporting the sector over the next three years.”

Looking ahead

With this funding in place, Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs will continue to play a central role in supporting the Out of School Childcare sector in Wales — helping settings to thrive, strengthening communities, and ensuring children benefit from safe, enriching environments where play and development are prioritised.