Social Development
With respect to After School Care (ASC) services not operated by formal schools:
- (a) How many registered ASC facilities not based at formal schools currently operate in the province, (b) what mechanisms are in place to ensure that such ASC facilities comply with the minimum norms and standards for ASC services and (c) what criteria are used to register ASC facilities;
- how does his Department monitor the quality of developmental programmes offered by ASCfacilities in relation to the holistic development of children;
- how much has his Department allocated to these ASC facilities in the (a) 2025/26 and (b) 2026/27 financial years;
- what measures are being implemented to expand access to compliant ASCservices for children from low-income households across the province?
(1)(a) 125 registered facilities as of 31 March 2026. Some of these facilities are based at or near school premises; however, these registered facilities are all independent community-based services (NPO or private).
(b) There is a registration application process with requirements in line with the norms and standards of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. The facilities are provided with a registration pack, including the forms required. The facilities are guided by Social Service Organisations (SSOs) in the communities who mentor them to ensure that they comply/ are able to comply. The facility is subjected to a verification process of an on-site assessment visit to ensure that all compliances and documents provided to the Department are in place before registration is granted.
(c) After School Care Services (ASC) are legislated under Chapter 5 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 (Partial Care) Sub-sections 76-90, together with the general regulation regarding the Children’s Act (reg 10). National Norms and standards for Registration: as per Children’s Act Chapter 5, Sub-section 79 are also applicable. Any person who has more than 6 school-going children in their care must register as a partial care facility (school-going children as per the South African School’s Act 84 of 1996 are children from the age 6 to 18 years). Applications for registration must be submitted to the Department as a portfolio of evidence, including:
- Form 11 (Registration application form)
- Entity certification – whether an NPO; NPC; Private company
- Previously registered Partial registration certificate (if a renewal)
- Business plan:
- Inter alia hours of operation; number of children envisaged to be accommodated; daily programme; number of staff members; address of facility;
- Municipal clearances:
- Land use management/ Zoning Certificate
- Approved building plan
- Fire and Safety Clearance Certificate
- Health Clearance Certificate
- Food premises certificate (Certificate of Acceptability)
- Policies:
- Child Protection
- Discipline Policy
- Lease/Rental agreement
- Emergency Plan- inter alia fire emergencies; evacuation plans; in the case of a sick child;
- Clearance certificates for all staff against the National Child Protection Register
- Accessibility of the service to children with disabilities
- Signed on-site assessment report with recommendation for registration
(2) Quality Monitoring is done through different approaches:
- Quarterly reports provided by the organisation
- Unannounced visits
- Financial statement submission
- Formal quality assurance that includes on-site verification.
(3) Financial Year Allocation to facilities
(a) 2025/26 R7 013 061.00
(b) 2026/27 R7 365 520.00
(4) After School Care centres are being supported through awareness raising and capacity building regarding compliance with norms and standards. Centres from low-income communities are prioritized in terms of the subsidy contributions. All facilities are monitored for compliance- this is ongoing, and as the need arises. Those which are compliant with the department’s criteria can receive further allocations of subsidy contributions, subject to their capacity and available funding.
