After-school services must hit new standards with Katherine Zappone set to unveil action plan in coming weeks

After-school services are to be targeted by the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone when her department unveils an action plan for the sector in the coming weeks.

Under the budget’s new childcare scheme aimed at the lower paid, parents will be entitled to a subsidy towards after-school and holiday childcare until a child is aged 15.

However, after-school services are not governed by any regulations and are not inspected by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla or by Pobal, which completes inspects free preschool year providers.