THE Out of School Care (OOSC) Federation in the Highlands and Islands has been successful in its funding bid to the Lotteries Board to the tune of almost £300,000. And two local women have had much to do with this success.

At the end of March it was announced that the OOSCF - which reaches from Shetland to Oban - was to receive £288,876 from the National Lottery Charities Board for training and development work over the next three years.

"This will let us get out and deliver training for all those involved with child care where it is needed," said Kath Maclennan, OOSCF Project Coordinator, who is based at Merkinch Enterprise. Equally delighted is Kolette Fraser of Fliperz who was instrumental in developing the short six-day course for those involved with out-of-school care.

This course will be the backbone of the three-year project and involves training in managing the various aspects of child care that may be come across, including children with special needs, various rules and regulations, and the law regarding child care, etc .

The cash will be used primarily to support and develop the voluntary members of the 24 clubs that constitute the OOSCF by providing this training and advice on site where practicable. And it is hoped to extend the federation by developing another 12 clubs.

It is the aim of the OOSCF to equip their members with the facilities and trained staff to meet the increasing need for affordable, good quality childcare places for families throughout the Highlands and Islands.

This project, which enhances the current Government's childcare strategy of ensuring accessible childcare for all, is based on two pilot projects:

Developing excellence in daycare by promoting healthy activities with the children

The Child Care Coalition Project which aims to recruit fieldworkers - this will be particularly of benefit in rural areas.

Chairperson of the OOSCF, Cathie Way says, "We are delighted to receive this funding which will strengthen and energise the current childcare situation and ensure longer term sustainability for our voluntary membership."