Wraparound childcare: Information for parents
Welcome to our Wraparound Childcare information page. This guide is designed to answer common questions about wraparound care, explain how the Wraparound Childcare Expansions Programme is helping families, and provide details on how to access and afford these services.
What is wraparound childcare?
Wraparound childcare offers before and after-school care for children, typically between the ages of 4 and 11, providing essential support for working parents by extending care beyond standard school hours. These services are usually provided by schools or licensed childcare providers and may include a variety of activities such as supervised play, sports, arts and crafts, homework support, and nutritious snacks or meals, keeping children safe and engaged until parents are available to collect them. Often referred to as breakfast clubs or after school clubs, wraparound childcare is available every weekday from 8am to 6pm during term time, allowing parents to manage work schedules without needing extra trips for drop offs or pick-ups. OFSTED registered care ensures high quality standards and can be offered by local schools or other licensed providers, including private settings and registered childminders, either on or off school premises.
What is the Wraparound Childcare Expansions Programme?
The Wraparound Childcare Expansions Programme is a government initiative designed to broaden access to wraparound care across the country. Through this programme, schools and childcare providers receive support to expand their capacity, ensuring high quality before and after school care is more widely available. Launched as part of the Spring Budget 2023, the programme aims to provide affordable, flexible, and convenient childcare options, enabling parents to work or pursue education with confidence that their children are well cared for. By 2026, the goal is for all parents of primary school children who need it to have access to local childcare from 8am to 6pm during term time, helping to improve parents’ work opportunities and job flexibility.
How do I find wraparound childcare near me?
To find wraparound childcare in your area, start by contacting your child’s school, as many schools offer wraparound care directly or can connect you with trusted local providers. Additionally, you can use local authority resources, such as the family information service, which allows you to search for childcare providers by postcode, helping you locate convenient options nearby.
What if wraparound childcare is not available in my area?
If wraparound childcare is not available in your area, you have the right to request that your child’s school consider setting it up. In England, parents can formally ask the school their child attends, or plans to attend, to establish wraparound or holiday childcare if it is not already provided. This right applies to childcare for children up to age 14, or up to 18 for children with special educational needs and disabilities. It is important to note that this right to request only covers childcare and does not extend to less regular activities, such as after-school sports clubs.
Upon receiving your request, the school will notify the local authority, which may reach out to discuss existing childcare options in the area. The school will consider your request and respond with a decision within one term. If they decide not to offer wraparound or holiday childcare, they should inform you of alternative local options and may connect you with the wraparound lead at the local authority or the family information service, both of which can provide up-to-date information on nearby childcare providers. The school will also communicate the reason behind their decision and any next steps they plan to take.
How much will wraparound care cost and is financial support available?
The cost of wraparound care varies based on location, provider, and the specific services offered, with payment made directly to the childcare provider. To help with costs, several financial support options are available. Some employers offer childcare vouchers or benefits that reduce expenses. Through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, eligible families can receive government contributions of up to £2,000 per year per child for childcare costs, or up to £4,000 for children with disabilities, up to age 17. Additionally, families receiving Universal Credit may be able to cover up to 85% of their childcare costs.