Working in partnership? Voluntary sector child care in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom voluntary organisations, especially women staff and members, carry a high degree of responsibility in providing day care for school-age children after school and during the school holidays. Apart from funding various umbrella and regional organisations, the central government sees this provision as a private matter between parents and private and voluntary sectors. The article traces how voluntary organisations have taken over the role of service providers, the historical background of out-of-school provision, the development of equal opportunities and the formation of the National Out of School Alliance.