Local authority leaders have called for tougher powers to regulate out-of-school settings, including the power to close down illegal schools, after a Government-commissioned report uncovered major safeguarding concerns.

The Department for Education funded a pilot in 16 council areas over an 18-month period into the oversight of out-of-school settings (OOSS), including uniformed organisations, sports and leisure clubs, and supplementary schools. This pilot examined safeguarding risks and existing legal powers available to councils.

Published in November, the report on the pilot identified multiple safeguarding risks, including physical chastisement/corporal punishment, grooming/sexual abuse/child exploitation and extremism/radicalisation.

The Local Government Association (LGA) today said the findings of the report reinforce long-standing calls for councils to be given greater oversight of such settings and powers to intervene and act where necessary.

Currently, OOSS are not required to notify councils about their provision and allow access to their settings. The sector is unregulated under education and childcare law.

‘Most out-of-school settings will provide safe, positive and enjoyable environments for children, and have a key role to play in furthering their learning and development,’ said Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board.

‘However, parents and carers sending their children to an OOSS will rightly expect that they are subject to the appropriate regulation, as seen in schools or childcare providers.

‘Current laws make it difficult for councils to act and at present OOSS are flying under the radar without being required to comply with any safeguarding checks.

‘The fact an independent report commissioned by the Government has presented these findings is yet further evidence of why it is essential that councils are given oversight of such settings, requiring them to register and work with the local authority, while also ensuring the Department for Education gives councils the powers and resources they need to intervene where necessary.’