Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, our Thriving Childcare Communities project strengthens Out of School Childcare Clubs across Wales by providing tailored support, helping clubs meet the needs of children and families in their local communities.  

Over three years, the project is expected to benefit up to 11,416 Playworkers, managers and children, while enabling up to 19,730 parents and carers to remain in work or training, contributing to stronger, more connected communities. 

Out of School Childcare Clubs play a vital role in children’s lives, providing safe, welcoming spaces where they can play freely, build friendships, develop social skills and grow in confidence. These Clubs act as important community ‘Third Places’, places beyond home and school where children and families can connect and belong. 

The concept of ‘Third Places’ highlights three types of spaces that support individual and community wellbeing: 

• First Place – the home 

• Second Place – school or work 

• Third Place – community spaces where people come together 

Our work recognises that strong communities rely on all three, with Out of School Childcare Clubs uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between them. 

Thriving Childcare Communities 

Our Thriving Childcare Communities project is designed to strengthen and promote Out of School Childcare. 

Through this project we will: 

• Support children and families to reach their potential by positioning Out of School Childcare Clubs as ‘Third Places, sustained and valued by their own communities. 

• Improve communities’ prospects and cohesion, with local Playwork training, jobs and volunteering opportunities, strengthening Out of Schools as valued ‘Second Places’ easing the sector’s workforce challenges. Learn more about Level 1 Playwork here. 

• Support children to thrive within community ‘Third Places’, by supporting high quality, inclusive and safe Clubs where human connections and play are prioritised. 

How we deliver support 

Support is tailored and responsive to the needs of the Out of School Childcare Sector, delivered by a team of experienced Childcare Business Development Officers (CBDOs) working across Wales. 

This includes: 

• One-to-one business skill sessions supporting quality, sustainability, and governance. 

• Quality improvement toolkits and action planning including 

• Out of School Childcare Assessment (OSCA) 

• Marketing Needs Analysis (MNA) 

• Safeguarding Health Checks (SHC) 

• Anti-Racism Audit Toolkit 

• Regular Clwb Hwbs (webinars), drawing on sector expertise and good practice 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible. 

June 2026