Connecting the Sector

So, like all great ideas - Tanya realised the way to get the conference she had envisaged was to organise it herself. She had the time. She had a background in marketing - Tanya organised a festival for her 50th birthday so event planning is practically a hobby!

With a clear vision to create an event that represented the level of professionalism the sector deserved, Tanya set about finding sponsors, speakers and delegates. And, in May 2022, just as the sector was beginning to emerge from the effects of the pandemic, over 100 out-of-school professionals gathered together for the first time.

Recognising Brilliance

And it was not just a conference. Tanya’s childcare company had won business awards, but had never won the award the business really wanted - one that reflected the amazing work they were doing with children. Being based on a school site meant the opportunity to win a play award was limited. So, the concept for Out-of-School Club Awards was created, and became an instant reality when Tanya realised the sector now had their own OSCAs!

The vibe was nothing short of electric. There was a real buzz. A sense of change. Connectivity with like-minded people. Shared problem solving. It was a day that everyone present will not forget.

Remember When the Sector was Forgotten?

The theme for the first conference was ‘Bringing the Forgotten Sector Together’. The sector felt overlooked. It was the poor relation to Early Years. It felt under-appreciated by parents. The first conference presented one of the first opportunities the sector had to connect face-to-face with the Department for Education (DfE).

At the first conference, the DfE were in listening mode. It was clear that change was coming - but it was not clear what that change was. The second conference saw more conversations with DfE and a clearer view of imminent change. At the time of the 2024 conference, the sector had a £289million investment as part of the National Wraparound Childcare Programme. It is safe to say that in 2 years the sector had gone from being forgotten to having the most significant investment in years.

Creating Sustainable Futures

The theme of the 2024 conference was Creating Sustainable Futures. We focussed on sustainability in all its guises. Provision that will continue to exist once the National Wraparound Childcare Programme funding ends. Provision that is financially sustainable. But more than that - as the sector matures, it is time for us to think about our impact on society and the planet and how we can not only embed child-focussed and environmentally-friendly business practice into our organisations, but also how we support the next generation in understanding how they can make positive environmental and social changes.

Next Steps

The sector is no longer forgotten. We have investment. We have new ideas coming such as Breakfast Clubs. There are more and more ways for people to engage with each other. DfE are organising events. Many local authorities organised conferences, so Club Central is taking a conference break and going back to another of its passions. Providing targeted support to providers through mentoring, training and consultancy.

Sisters… again!

Tanya’s career in childcare started when she joined her sister, Sam, in her wraparound childcare business. Tanya and Sam worked together until they sold their business in 2019, and in reality have never really stopped. Tanya has provided marketing support to Sam’s business, Sam has provided strategic input into Tanya’s. And now, they have a new collaboration: BeMore.

BeMore is by providers, for providers. We provide training, consultancy and mentoring. Use our experience to help your business.