Exit this survey

Introduction

Out of School Services refer to a range of structured programmes, clubs and activities for school-age children and young people (4-18) which take place within supervised environments during the times that they are not in school. As such, out of school activities can take place before school, after school, at weekends, during lunch hours, and during school holidays. Out of School Services therefore can be offered in a variety of schools, attached to school and non-school environments, including community centres, child-care centres, places of worship, libraries, parks
etc. Out of School Services are sponsored by inter alia, statutory and non-governmental agencies, schools, community-based groups, faith-based organisations, and other voluntary sector groups (QDOSS, 2006).
QDOSS, the Quality Development of Out of School Services is a network that comprises a range of stakeholders who share different perspectives, expertise and a common aim. Our central aim is to enhance and develop the field of Out of School Services to influence and enable positive educational outcomes for children and young people, particularly those experiencing educational disadvantage. Members of QDOSS participate as representatives of member organisations. Member organisations have a remit in relation to education, childcare, youth work or youth development, particularly in relation to children and young people experiencing educational disadvantage. The Network aims to ensure that there is a balance between a variety of interest groups including practitioners, policy makers and researchers.

Current member organisations comprising the QDOSS network include:

• Barnardos
• Border Counties Childcare Network
• Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College, Dublin
• City & County Childcare Committees
• Educational Disadvantage Centre, St. Patrick’s College, Dublin
• Foróige
• Irish Local Development Network
• National Voluntary Childcare Collaborative
• School Completion Support Services
• Transforming Education Through Dialogue, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
• Youth Work Ireland

In consultation with the Department of Children & Youth Affairs, QDOSS wishes to complete a mapping exercise of the network membership regarding Out of School provision. As a result of this QDOSS, has developed a short questionnaire which will be completed through Survey Monkey by QDOSSS member organisations. It is hoped the survey will give some indication of the nature of Out School Services which are operating nationally and funding sources. A final report will be completed which will also aid future discussions concerning the sector. QDOSS, through the support of its members’ organisations, plan to hold a number of regional seminars to further discuss the survey findings and key issues concerning the sector. The questionnaire is to be completed taking your own individual organisation’s view point.

We would be most grateful if your organisation would take the opportunity to complete this short questionnaire.

T