Wraparound childcare

Overview

This page provides helpful information for both parents and providers.

Parents can:

• explore local options for breakfast and after-school clubs
• find out about financial support for wraparound childcare
• understand how wraparound provision supports working families

Providers can:

• learn more about the National Wraparound Childcare Programme
• get details on how to apply for funding
• find out who can support them through the process

Wraparound childcare plays a vital role in helping parents work or study, knowing their children are cared for in a fun and supportive environment. Children can enjoy games, have a snack, do homework, and spend time with friends in a relaxed setting outside the classroom.

Provision can be delivered:

• on school sites, either by the school or an independent provider
• nearby, in a childminder’s home, out-of-school club, nursery, or pre-school that also accommodates older children

Schools are encouraged to signpost parents to available wraparound options when asked. Importantly, parents should not be expected to drop off or collect their children between the school day and wraparound care.

For further advice or support, please email Laura Mitchell at wap@derby.gov.uk. 

What is wraparound childcare?

Wraparound childcare refers to before and after school care for primary school-aged children in England during term time. This typically includes regular childcare that extends the day; such as after-school provision running until 6pm or later.

The aim of wraparound childcare is to help parents access reliable care every school day outside of standard school hours, supporting them to work the hours they need.

It differs from out-of-school activities or school clubs, which tend to be less frequent or one-off sessions.

Currently, around 60% of primary schools in England offer both before and after-school wraparound childcare.

Wraparound provision can be delivered by:

• schools
• private, voluntary, and independent providers
• childminders and early years settings

These services are often located on school sites or in nearby venues within the local community.

How do I find wraparound childcare near me?

Details of local wraparound childcare providers can be found on our provider list

Parents looking for wraparound childcare options for their primary school child should speak to their child’s school, or visit the Derby City Council’s information service to find out what wraparound childcare is currently available in the area.

Parents should now see an increase in the number of wraparound childcare places available across the country.

We encourage parents to talk to their child’s school about their need for wraparound childcare, even if it’s not currently available.

For more information about childcare provisions in Derby city, please visit our Family Information Service Page.

How much does it cost – and is financial support available?

The cost of wraparound childcare will vary, as individual providers set their own fees. Parents and guardians pay the provider directly for their child’s place.

However, there is financial support available to help with these costs.

Tax-free childcare

• Eligible families can receive up to £2,000 per year per child (up to age 11)
• For children with disabilities, support increases to £4,000 per year (up to age 17)

Universal Credit childcare

• Eligible parents can claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs for children up to age 16
• Support may also be available to help with initial upfront childcare costs

To find out what you may be entitled to and check your eligibility, visit the Childcare Choices website.

Wraparound childcare for service families

Eligible service personnel (tri-service) can access up to 20 hours per week of funded wraparound childcare during term time only (39 weeks per year) for each eligible child aged 4 to 11 (or up to 16 if the child receives certain disability benefits). This covers before and after school care in the UK.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the funding:

At least one parent (or a single parent) must be serving as Armed Forces Regular or Full-Time Reserve Service personnel (any commitment type).

The child must:

• be aged 4 to 11 (or up to 16 if in receipt of specific disability benefits)
• attend school (or be home educated)
• live with the serving parent at least 50% of the time (unless separated due to service)

A Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account must be set up through HMRC for each child

The childcare provider must:

• be registered with the TFC scheme
• accept TFC payments

The service parent must:

• be assigned to a UK-based unit, or
• be on an unaccompanied overseas assignment with the family remaining in the UK

How to claim

Service families can:

• check eligibility and
• apply for funding through the Discover My Benefits website

Need help?

For queries about claims, contact your unit HR team or admin office.

For more details on wraparound care, visit:

• Defence Childcare Information (accessible to MOD personnel only).
• Defence Connect (sign-in required).

Provider list

• Alvaston Infant and Nursery School
• Becket Primary School Becket Primary 
• Cavendish Close Junior Academy
• Grampian Primary Academy
• Oakwood Infant and Nursery School
• Oakwood Junior School

Information for providers

What is the national wraparound childcare programme?

The national wraparound childcare programme is part of the childcare reforms announced in the 2023 Spring Budget.

The government’s ambition is that by 2026, all parents and carers of primary school-aged children who need it will have access to term-time childcare in their local area from 8am to 6pm, helping families access employment and improve labour market participation.

Local authorities will receive programme and capital grant funding to help deliver this ambition.

What can the grant be used for?

Funding can be used to:

• create new or expand existing wraparound childcare provision
• meet current demand or build future capacity
• support start-up, expansion, and initial running costs for new places

What can't the grant be used for?

Funding must not be used to:

• subsidise the cost of wraparound places for parents who should cover costs directly - families can use:
  • Universal Credit childcare – up to 85% subsidy
  • Tax-Free Childcare – up to 20% subsidy (max £2,000/year or £4,000 for children with disabilities)
• fund the running costs of existing childcare places - note: you can use the grant to expand current provision if it creates new places

How to apply

1. Complete an expression of interest application form.
2. Complete the forecasting document - these documents help outline your proposed wraparound provision and projected sustainability.
3. Submit both documents - once we receive your completed application and forecasting document, we will carry out an initial moderation to ensure all required information is included and aligns with the funding criteria.
4. Independent panel review - your submission will then be reviewed by an independent panel, who will assess whether the proposal meets the scope and objectives of the wraparound funding programme.

This process ensures transparency, consistency, and that funding is allocated where it will have the greatest impact.

To find out more or to request support, please email wap@derby.gov.uk.

Vision for the programme

The national wraparound childcare programme is designed to be:

• local authority led
• school-centred
• delivered in partnership with a range of providers

The programme aims to create a sustainable and flexible wraparound childcare offer that meets the needs of local families and supports both educational and economic outcomes.

Key principles of the programme vision

Collaboration and relationships

The programme is an opportunity to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones, across local authority boundaries and with professionals working in the sector.

Leadership and shared purpose

Strong leadership is essential. The programme needs leaders who are passionate and motivated by a shared commitment to supporting families.

Community-led and asset-based

It should build on existing local strengths and knowledge - enhancing the current wraparound childcare market rather than disrupting or displacing it.

Workforce development

Delivery must be led by skilled professionals, with a focus on building capacity and developing the skills of the wraparound workforce.

Child-centred and inclusive

Provision should be:

• designed around the needs and experiences of children
• accessible for all families
• informed by regular feedback from children and parents

Sustainability-focused

The programme must be financially and operationally sustainable - for both families and providers, with a long-term, future-focused approach.

Delivery models

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to delivering wraparound care and schools are encouraged to explore various models, each with its own practical considerations and benefits. Options include:

• school-run provision - delivered by school staff on-site
• partnership delivery - working with other schools or PVI (private, voluntary and independent) providers on your school site
• commissioned provision- where a PVI provider delivers care as a service on your school site
• signposting to off-site provision- including arranging safe transport
• community or cluster-based models - collaborating with local schools or partners to offer shared childcare services.