Wraparound childcare is childcare that ‘wraps around’ the conventional school day. It is:
- for primary aged school children
- typically runs from 8am to 6pm during term time weekdays
- OFSTED registered childcare
- provided by your local school or a childcare provider
Wraparound Childcare is different from out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.
Childcare providers
Wraparound childcare can be on or off your child's school site, delivered by:
- your child's school
- childminders
- pre-schools
- nurseries
- activity clubs
You may know it as breakfast and after school clubs.
Wraparound childcare in Dorset
The ambition from government is that parents should see an increase in before and after school childcare from September 2024 onwards, with all parents being able to access it by September 2026. This should give parents more flexibility to work without late or early school drops or pick ups. Find out more about the government's investment into wraparound childcare.
We are working with schools and other childcare providers across Dorset to increase the availability and hours of childcare.
Paying for wraparound childcare
Wraparound childcare must be paid for by parents and carers. There are discounts and benefits you can access to help with costs, these include:
Tax Free Childcare
Tax free childcare can:
- save eligible parents up to £2,000 per year for children aged up to 11
- save £4,000 per year for children aged up to 17 with disabilities
Universal Credit Childcare
Universal Credit Childcare saves eligible parents up to 85% of their childcare costs. Is applicable for children aged up to 16.
Find out more about childcare funding at Childcare Choices.
Finding wraparound childcare
Contact your child's school to find out what is available. You can also check the Family Information Directory for local childcare providers who may be able to help.
If childcare between 8am and 6pm is not yet available do:
- ask your school how they will be expanding wraparound childcare
- explain what days and times you need
Information for providers
Funding opportunities for schools and childcare providers
The Department for Education will fund Dorset from early 2024 until March 2026.
This funding will be granted to schools and childcare providers. This will assist in the creation or expansion of wraparound childcare. Schools and childcare providers must be Ofsted registered to receive funding.
The wraparound programme funding can:
- contribute to staffing costs
- help with start-up/expansion running costs
- fund training for wraparound staff (including playwork or specialist SEND training, Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA), Safeguarding, First Aid)
- fund transport hire
Wraparound toolkit
The Childcare Works Wraparound toolkit provides everything you need, all in one place. This toolkit aims to help you start, grow, and sustain childcare provision.
You will find:
- specific information for operating childcare provision
- general business information
- resources for childminders and charities
- expert advice on marketing, HR, leadership, and management
- tips on partnership working
Content contains 6 topics with each topic divided into sub-topics:
- business planning
- business growth
- running of your childcare provision
- leadership and management
- partnership working
- SEND and inclusive practice
Contact
If you have any questions or need more information contact Emma Barter: wraparound@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.