From September 2024, parents can expect to see an increase in the number of wraparound childcare places available. The government expects all parents of primary school-aged children to have access to term time wraparound childcare from 8am to 6pm, either from their school or another provider in their local area by September 2026. Wraparound childcare includes before school care, such as breakfast clubs, and regular after school provision. Parents can use tax-free childcare or Universal Credit to help with childcare costs.
Role of the local authority in the wraparound childcare programme
All local authorities are expected to support parents to access childcare, where they need it. Local authorities will work with schools and private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers, including childminders, to introduce or expand before and after school childcare provision in their area.
The role of schools and trusts
Schools and trusts are central to the delivery of the programme as they operate at the heart of the community, understand the needs of local families, and are usually the first port of call for parents for wraparound childcare.
- all schools are expected to have school or private, voluntary and independent provider run wraparound childcare on the school site unless there is reasonable justification not to
- schools who are unable to have wraparound childcare on the school site are expected to work collaboratively with their local authorities to ensure parents are, at a minimum, signposted to appropriate provision. These must not require parents to pick up or drop off their children between the school day and wraparound
Finding wraparound childcare
If you are a parent looking for childcare options for your primary school aged child, speak to your child’s school or contact the Families Information Service to find out what wraparound care is currently available in your area.
You can also search for wraparound childcare in your area on our choosing childcare page.
Support with wraparound childcare costs
Wraparound childcare fees will be set by providers. Parents eligible for tax-free childcare or Universal Credit Childcare will be able to use the support to help pay for wraparound childcare. For further information visit the Childcare choices website.
Further information
For further details about the national wraparound programme visit the government's Education Hub website.