Wraparound childcare

Wraparound childcare provides before and after school care for primary school-aged children in England. It typically runs from 8am to 6pm during term time and is available at schools, community centres, nurseries, or with childminders.

This is different from out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.

All parents in England with primary school-aged children can access wraparound childcare. There are no eligibility criteria for accessing new wraparound childcare places.

Check availability with your child’s school to find out what wraparound childcare is currently available in the area. Private, voluntary, and independent providers, including childminders and early years settings, are also able to offer wraparound childcare. Often, it’s run on a school site or another setting in the local area.

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 (external link) or Universal Credit childcare (external link) to help pay for your place. You might also be able to get help with your initial upfront childcare costs.

Tax-Free childcare could save eligible parents up to £2,000 per year for children aged up to 11, or £4,000 per year for children aged up to 17 with disabilities.

Universal Credit childcare could save eligible parents up to 85% of their childcare costs for children aged up to 16. Parents may also be able to get help with their initial upfront childcare costs.

Check what support is available to you by using the Best Start in Life eligibility checker (external link).

If wraparound childcare is not available, you can request your child’s school to consider setting up wraparound childcare. This request should be made in writing, detailing the type of childcare needed, your child’s age, and specific needs.

Parents have the right to request wraparound or holiday childcare for children up to age 14 or 18 for children with special educational needs and disabilities. This does not include after-school sports clubs or one-off activities.

Submit your request in writing (by letter, email, or through school-run parent surveys) to your child’s school, confirming:

• Type of childcare (wraparound and/or holiday)

• Age of your child/children

• Specific needs of the child (for example: the needs of a child with special educational needs and disabilities)

• Preferred days and times

Following your request, the school will contact us to discuss this and check for existing suitable childcare. You will be informed of the decision within a term by your child's school.

If you need additional guidance after speaking to your school you can contact the Family Information Service.