PEOPLE wanting to run summer holiday playschemes are urged to come forward as soon as possible.

Staff at Bury's Early Years Development Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) warn that some schemes will have to be registered to stay within the law.

They also want volunteers, perhaps students, to get in touch and take the chance to earn extra money over the holidays.

Karen Blackledge, out-of-school development worker, said: "If you want to run a new summer holiday playscheme or your playscheme is running again this year and you have changes to premises or staff, then you need to apply for registration with Ofsted now.

"However, sufficient time needs to be allowed for checks to be carried out. Those who fail to register are risking prosecution. But, if your holiday scheme operates for less than two hours per day or less than six days in any year, you are exempt from registration."

Summer playschemes for youngsters aged from five to 11 have been running in Bury for 20 years, and benefit working parents as well as their children.

"Playscheme staff need to be over 17 years old, and for students it is an ideal opportunity to get some extra cash over the long summer break," said Karen. "Having said that, staff are drawn from all walks of life, be they existing childcare workers, students, parents or grandparents. If you have a flair for sports, arts and crafts or just enjoy working with children then you are the kind of person we require."

Volunteers with little or no experience of working with children will be offered training before the playschemes begin.

Organisers who are unsure whether they should be registered can contact the Ofsted helpline on 0845 601 4771. Those interested in signing up, or prepared to form voluntary management committees for playschemes, can contact Karen direct on 253 6436 or email K.Blackledge@bury.gov.uk