A GOVERNMENT backed scheme to make schools open longer has received full support from Hertfordshire County Council.

Education secretary Ruth Kelly this week called for all schools to open from 8am to 6pm to help working parents. Her proposal said schools would be expected to provide breakfast clubs in the morning and close later so that children can stay on for afternoon clubs.

Critics of the plan claim it will place an extra burden on teachers and local authorities. But members of the county council which already runs 121 after school clubs, 72 breakfast clubs and 104 holiday play schemes have welcomed the move.

Executive member for children's services Jane Pitman said: "For every working parent, trying to find good quality care for their child before and after school can be a real worry.

"I'm very proud that we are working with Hertfordshire schools to take some of the stress out of parenting by providing a happy, safe and fun environment for children to enjoy out of school hours.

"There will be further significant expansion in September when even more new services will be available in schools through our extended schools consortia, but Hertfordshire must get its fair share of funding to deliver on this worthwhile agenda."

Grove Infant School in Harpenden has been running a successful after-school club for more than ten years now.

Headteacher at the school in Dark Lane Sandra Bird,said it had proved very popular with working parents.

She added: "The club runs from 3.15pm to 6.15pm, but children can stay as long as they want. Pupils take part in several different activities from playing games to art sessions. "They are also provided with food which is paid for by parents."

The afternoon club is run independently from the school and is staffed by parents, volunteers and school governors.

Parents pay a small fee each week or on a day-to-day basis depending on what their child's needs are.

pcollins@london.newsquest.co.uk