| The money, which has been made available to the council by the Executive, will be spread over two years — £87,000 for this financial year and £49,000 for next.
A large chunk of the funding will go to Kids Unlimited, which supports young people aged 9 to 13 who are living in a household where a family member has a disability, a mental health problem, HIV/AIDS, a drug or alcohol-related problem or where there has been a bereavement.
Education director Anne Wilson said the aim of Kids Unlimited is to give the youngsters the opportunity for “time out” from their difficult circumstances and enjoy some fun, whilst having the undivided attention and support of a dedicated team of workers or volunteers.
“Some of these children and young people may find it difficult to participate in local out-of-school clubs or other groups because of their circumstances,” Mrs Wilson said.
Kids Unlimited will receive just under £48,000 this year with another £49,000 allocated for 2006-07 to ensure the continuation of the project.
Dundee’s 19 out-of-school care clubs are to share grants totalling almost £19,000.
“This will provide much- needed financial support to clubs who are struggling on very tight budgets and will enable them to purchase additional resources for use by children or training for staff,” Mrs Wilson said.
The Under 12s Project, which caters primarily for families in the Mid Craigie and Linlathen areas, is also to get just under £19,000.
Mrs Wilson said more than 400 childcares places are taken up every week across the project in a range of services including children’s groups, homework clubs, lunch clubs and drop-in groups.
Just over £2100 has been awarded to 10 newly registered childminders as start-up funding for buying essential equipment.
The director said childminders are valued as a key provider of childcare services to children of all ages, especially babies and toddlers for whom close relationships and a home setting are recognised to have particular benefits.
Childminders are now regulated by the Care Commission and are required to meet the National Care Standards.
“It is therefore important for child- minders to supply age-appropriate toys and equipment and also to ensure that necessary safety equipment to meet all registration requirements is in place in their homes,” Mrs Wilson said.
Further opportunities for newly-registered childminders to apply for start-up funding will be available in future years. |
