Wraparound childcare

What is Wraparound Childcare?

Wraparound Childcare includes breakfast clubs, after-school clubs (aka out of school clubs), and holiday clubs. These settings are designed to help parents balance work and family commitments, whilst providing children with a safe, secure environment and a fun place to spend their time outside of school, with dedicated professionals caring for them. Wraparound Childcare can be provided by the child’s school directly or a local early years provider (on or off school site) and local childminders between the hours of 8am -6pm (some may offer earlier hours).

It should not require parents to pick their children up from school and drop them off at another location.

National Wraparound Childcare

The government announced the National Wraparound Childcare Programme which is part of the childcare reforms announced at the 2023 Spring Budget. They have allocated to all local authorities within the UK a budget to support the Wraparound Programme over the two year period. Within Telford and Wrekin we have been allocated a budget to support the developments of wraparound childcare within the borough.

Looking for further information on wraparound childcare contact us: wraproundchildcare@telford.gov.uk.

So what does the wraparound childcare programme mean for parents?

From September 2024 onward, the plan is to look at expanding the current wraparound childcare offer within the UK. Parents can expect to see an increase in the number of wraparound childcare places available across the country. What sets this programme apart is its collaborative design involving local authorities. This joint effort ensures that the programme is finely tuned to meet the diverse needs of parents and communities.

Within Telford and Wrekin Council the Early Years and Childcare Team are supporting this initiative within the borough. The Wraparound Childcare Programme Development Officer has been appointed to support this programme moving forward in Telford and Wrekin. We will be working with schools, out of school clubs, childminders and early years childcare providers to support the expansion and development of wraparound childcare provision in Telford.

Wraparound childcare is before and after school childcare for primary school aged children in England during term time, such as breakfast clubs and regular afterschool provision that runs until 6pm or later. The care should be available every school day outside of regular school hours and is aimed at helping parents access more childcare and work the hours they want to.

As a parent you may be looking for a breakfast club, out of school clubs and holiday care provision to meet these (your) needs. This may be offered by your school, a childcare provider on school site, a childcare provider off school site within the area or a local childminder. Many schools already offer enrichment and extra-curricular activities before and after the school day. This is not to be confused with wraparound childcare, this is different from these clubs it is consistent regular and offers times that meet the needs of working parents.

The principal aim of the programme is to ensure wraparound childcare provision is regular, has longer hours and is more dependable for working parents.

There will also be provision within the programme to promote wraparound childcare within Telford and Wrekin. We will also be looking at offering further bespoke training and development opportunities for practitioners working within the wraparound childcare provision thus supporting the quality, development and service of these provisions to families.

The Government ambition for wraparound childcare programme is that by 2026, the government envisions a scenario where all parents and carers of primary school-aged children who need it will have convenient access to term-time childcare. Operating from 8am to 6 pm, this ambitious vision underscores the commitment to supporting families across the nation.

What Financial Support is Available for Parents Accessing Wraparound Childcare?

You may not be aware that there is financial support for parents accessing wraparound childcare. There is financial support mechanisms for parents, offering either Universal Credit childcare (with an 85% subsidy) or Tax-Free Childcare (covering 20% of costs, up to £2,000 a year, or up to £4,000 for disabled children up to age 16). This financial backing aims to alleviate the burden on families seeking quality childcare.

Tax- Free Childcare

For working families, including the self-employed, in the UK with children aged 0 - 11 (or 0 - 16 if disabled). Earning under £100k and an average of £167 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) each over three months. Who aren't receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.

For every £8 families pay into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year (up to £4,000 a year, if a child is disabled). Visit the Childcare Choices website for further information on how to access Tax-Free Childcare.

Last updated: 05/06/2024 09:36