A shortage of workers since the Covid pandemic threatens the future of many after-school clubs.
The national organization for after-school clubs, Cymru Kids’ Clubs, said nearly one in five clubs have closed since 2020.
It said staff were not returning after their furlough and the number of parents working from home had increased.
Chief Executive Jane O’Toole said, “We need people who understand what a great career opportunity this is.”
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Ms O’Toole said children have missed out on the benefits of after-school clubs for the past two years.
“They’ve had a rough time during the pandemic – they need to be able to play and get these quality play opportunities,” she said.
Gemma Disson has said her daughter attends an after-school club in Cardiff because of her working hours.
“I work from 9am to 5:30pm every day and having an after school club at that time is really helpful because I don’t have to worry about finding something else or leaving work early to to pick her up after school,” she said.
“It’s obviously very helpful to get them to interact with other kids as well.”
Philip Salvidge said his daughter “absolutely loves it,” adding, “If I pick her up too early, I’ll be reprimanded.”
A survey by Cymru Kids’ Clubs found that 169 registered childcare facilities have closed permanently since March 2020.
It said it was working with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) to find a way forward for other struggling clubs.
Esyllt Lord runs two after-school childcare clubs in Cardiff. Despite a waiting list of around 40 children, she was unable to hire enough qualified staff to keep up with demand.
“We’re getting a lot fewer people applying for the jobs and it’s just tough overall I think,” she said.
“The combination of part-time hours, the hours they are, and we want staff to be able to speak Welsh because we’re based at two Welsh schools, so we’re a bit stuck at the moment.”
Since 2016, a playful qualification has been required for non-school club staff to look after children between the ages of three and twelve.
The regulation applies from September.
The Welsh Government said intensive courses would be offered in the summer to meet the deadline.
Cymru Kids’ Clubs welcomed the decision and wanted people to “recognize the professionalization of the workforce.”
It added that the decision could help attract more people to the sector.
Families could also benefit from tax-free childcare at after-school clubs registered with CIW, it added.
The average weekly cost of registered after-school childcare clubs varies across Wales.
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In Wrexham and Blaenau Gwent clubs charge an average of £5 or less a day, while places like Swansea, Conwy, Caerphilly and Cardiff charge an average of around £10 a day.
Ms O’Toole said: “I think we need people who understand what a great career opportunity this is.
“It may start with a short number of hours, but we’re seeing people grow in the industry and move into a training or leadership role.
“I think we need parents to realize that childcare matters – the benefits it brings to their children.
“I think I would argue that people say childcare is expensive but it’s part of child development rather than maybe trying to juggle childcare at home and sitting in front of a screen at home.”
The Welsh Government said: “We recognize the importance of childcare and play opportunities, including holiday play programmes, for children and their parents.
“We want to ensure that childcare and play staff have the appropriate qualifications, skills and experience to provide quality care in the different types of settings and for the entire age range of children cared for.”
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