Concerns have been raised over poor children missing out on the chance to attend after-school clubs, after a survey found that 62% of parents cannot afford such activities for their child.
Although after-school clubs have been found to help improve children's performance in school and outside, nearly three-quarters of parents living below the poverty line find these too expensive, according to a survey by Save the Children.
Nearly half of the parents polled said they have to fork out over £10 a week per child on activities such as sport, drama and music - equivalent to £500 a year or £7,500 over a school lifetime.
More than a fifth said they pay £20 per week - £1,000 a year or £15,000 for 15 years of schooling.
Sally Copley, Save the Children's head of UK policy, said: "What happens after the school gates close at 3pm is just as vital as what goes on in the school day.
"Children who do after-school activities have more confidence, see the world in different ways, have a stronger sense of identity - and this ultimately translates into doing better in exams and getting a better job.
"We're particularly concerned poorer children are missing out as a result."
Copyright Press Association 2010
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