National Early Years Entitlement and Wraparound Childcare Programme
Information for schools and childcare providers
The National Early Years Entitlement and Wraparound Childcare Programme is a government initiative designed to make high-quality, affordable childcare more accessible.
The programme supports providers to expand capacity, extend operating hours, and create flexible childcare options that meet the needs of local families. This includes:
· Increasing funded early years places.
· Supporting wraparound childcare (before and after school, 8am–6pm).
· Ensuring provision is inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable for the future.
The government’s ambition is that by 2026, all primary school-aged children (Reception to Year 6) will have access to term-time wraparound childcare in their local area.
What is Wraparound Childcare?
Wraparound care refers to childcare that takes place before and after the school day (typically 8am–6pm).
Provision may be delivered by:
· Schools
· Private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) providers (Childminders, Early years settings and Out of School Clubs)
It can take place on school premises or at nearby locations, ensuring families have convenient, joined-up childcare.
Who is Eligible for Funding?
To qualify, providers must meet the following criteria:
· Be registered with Ofsted.
· Registration must be on the General Childcare Register (GCR) or the Early Years Register (EYR), depending on the provision.
· Schools delivering wraparound childcare directly (through their governance) do not need separate registration, unless children under Reception age attend.
Important criteria:
· Funding will only be granted if there is an identified local need.
· New provision will not be funded where existing providers already meet demand.
What Support is Available?
Providers can apply for two types of funding:
1. Capital Funding
National allocation: £100 million
East Riding allocation: £679,000
Used to expand or improve physical spaces for childcare, such as:
· Creating new childcare places.
· Renovating or retaining existing facilities.
· Improving accessibility for children with SEND.
· Making buildings suitable for extended use (e.g. external access, lighting).
· Purchasing physical assets (e.g. play equipment, furniture, minibuses).
2. Programme Funding
National allocation: £253 million
East Riding allocation: £2 million
Supports the operational costs of wraparound childcare for school-aged children, including:
· Staffing and recruitment costs.
· Training.
· Essential resources and equipment.
· Subsidised childcare places for wraparound staff.
· Marketing and promotion of new or expanded services.
How to Apply for Funding
· Providers must complete and submit an application form to their local authority.
· Applications will be reviewed by a funding evaluation panel.
· Decisions will be based on:
o Evidence of local need (parental surveys, community data).
o Inclusivity and ability to support children with SEND.
o Long-term sustainability.
o Collaboration with existing providers.
o Value for money.
Successful applicants will be required to sign a Grant Agreement, outlining funding conditions, financial record-keeping, and reporting requirements.
Please note: Applications for capital funding are now closed.
Key Dates
· Funding support is available until April 2026.
· The government expects most providers to be offering sustainable, self-financing wraparound childcare by September 2026.
Further Information and Support
Providers can access resources and guidance through:
For local support, contact the East Riding Wraparound team, who can provide tailored advice and guidance throughout the programme.
Sue Smith
Debbie Matthews
Jess Bruce