Wraparound childcare is expanding
Since September 2024, more wraparound childcare places have become available for primary school aged children in England.
What is wraparound childcare?
Wraparound childcare is before and after school childcare for primary school aged children in England.
The provision typically runs from around 8am until 6pm, during term time, either on a school site or another local setting such as a community centre, a nursery, or a childminder.
This is different from out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.
How does this cross over with plans for free breakfast clubs in every primary school?
To break down barriers to opportunity and confront child poverty, the government is making plans to fund free breakfast clubs in every primary school, so children start the day ready to learn. More information on these plans will follow in due course.
Who will be eligible for wraparound childcare?
All parents in England with primary school aged children are eligible to access wraparound childcare.
How do I access wraparound childcare?
Speak to your child’s school or local authority's Family Information Service to find out what wraparound childcare is currently available in your area.
What if wraparound childcare is not available in my area?
If wraparound childcare is not currently available to you, you can request that your child’s school consider setting up wraparound childcare for your child if they don’t already provide it.
What is the right to request wraparound and holiday childcare?
All parents in England have the right to request that the school their child attends, or is due to attend, consider setting up wraparound or holiday childcare if they do not already have it.
This applies to childcare for children up to the age of 14, or 18 for children with SEND.
The right to request only applies to childcare and does not include activities such as after-school sports clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.
How should you request wraparound and holiday childcare?
You should make your request to your child’s school in writing by letter, email, or through school-run parent surveys. You should tell them the type of childcare you need (wraparound and/or holiday), the age of your child/children, the needs of the child (e.g. the needs of a child with SEND), and when you most need it (e.g. days of the week and times).
What happens after you make a request?
Your child’s school will contact their local authority to make them aware of your request. You should expect to be contacted by the local authority to discuss whether there is already suitable childcare in the local area.
Before making a decision about your request, your school may also need to find out about the childcare needs of other parents.
When will you hear back from your child’s school?
Your child's school will consider your request and let you know their decision within a term.
They should tell you the reason for their decision and any next steps they are taking.
What can you do if your child’s school decides not to set up wraparound or holiday childcare?
If your child’s school decides not to set up wraparound or holiday childcare, they should let you know other local childcare options. This might include putting you in contact with the wraparound lead in your local authority or your local family information service, who will have up-to date information about other available local childcare.
How do I pay for wraparound childcare?
Providers will set their own fees for wraparound places, so prices will vary. Once you have chosen a provider, you would pay them directly for your child’s place.
If you are eligible, you will be able to use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare to help pay for your place. You might also be able to get help with your initial upfront childcare costs. Check what support is available to you by using the childcare eligibility checker.
To find out more:
Speak to your child’s school or local authority's Family Information Service.