What does wraparound childcare mean?

Wraparound childcare refers to before and after school care for primary school-aged children during term time. It covers the hours outside the core school day - typically from around 8am until 6pm - so that working parents can work a full day. It includes breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, and childminder provision that bridges the gap between school hours and a working day.

Is wraparound childcare free in the UK?

No, wraparound childcare is not free for most families. Parents pay their provider directly. However, the government is rolling out free 30-minute breakfast clubs to state primary schools in England from April 2026. Eligible parents may also be able to use Tax-Free Childcare (up to £2,000 a year per child) or Universal Credit childcare support (covering up to 85% of costs) to help with fees at Ofsted-registered providers.

What is the government's wraparound childcare programme?

The National Wraparound Childcare Programme is a £289 million initiative providing funding to local authorities in England to expand before and after school childcare. The aim is that by September 2026, most working parents will be able to access wraparound childcare from 8am to 6pm on every school day, either at their child's school or through a nearby provider. There are no eligibility criteria for parents.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for wraparound care?

Yes, if your wraparound childcare is provided by an Ofsted-registered provider - such as a school breakfast club, an after-school club, or a registered childminder - you can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for it. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 per child per year. You cannot use Tax-Free Childcare for in-home care that is not registered with Ofsted.

What happens if there's no wraparound childcare at my child's school?

If your child's school doesn't offer wraparound childcare, you can formally request that they look into setting it up. Write to the school explaining when you need the care, and the school must respond within one school term. You can also ask your local authority's Family Information Service about other registered providers in your area, such as childminders who collect from school and offer afternoon sessions.

Does wraparound childcare cover school holidays?

No, wraparound childcare covers term time only. School holiday periods need separate arrangements, such as holiday clubs or in-home childcare. Your local authority's Family Information Service can advise on registered holiday club options, and you can also use apps like Bubble to find a trusted sitter for flexible holiday cover at home.