Wraparound childcare before and after school - Print version

Information for parents

Wraparound provision describes childcare that is wrapped around the school day, for example before and after school. Provision that requires parents to collect children at the end of the school day and take them to an alternative location, does not meet the definition of wraparound childcare.  Many schools provide a range of afterschool clubs such as sports, cookery, music, or craft sessions but these are not defined as wraparound childcare, because they do not typically provide the option for children to remain in school until 6pm, from Monday to Friday. The government describe Wraparound as provision which operates from 8am -6pm, during term time or equivalent hours to meet parental demand e.g. 7.45am – 5.45pm.

Wraparound may be delivered in a variety of ways. It could be

• run from your child’s school, by the school trust or governing body
• situated in school, but run by a private childcare provider, who works in partnership with the school to deliver a service to its pupils. 
• run by a private provider, who collects (or takes) children from/to school and takes them to a premises which is not on the school site. For example a childminder’s home or a day nursery.
• run by a small group of childminders, from a room in the school or community building.

In spring 2023 the government announced its aspirations for every primary school aged child (from Reception to year 6) to have access to wraparound childcare between the hours of 8am - 6pm, or equivalent hours, during term time, if there is parental demand.

In Coventry the majority of schools offer some level of wraparound provision to pupils both before and after school.  This is delivered by them or in partnership with a Private Childcare Provider. Less than one third of Coventry schools provide a limited wraparound offer, or no offer at all. We want to work with these schools and private providers within their locality to develop a wraparound provision for all pupils who require it.  In addition, we will also work with schools and providers who have existing wraparound services, to expand hours or places, where there is parental demand to do so.

Paying for wraparound childcare

Schools and childcare providers will set their own fees for wraparound and therefore these may vary from one provision to another. However, parents should expect to pay, on average £6.00 for a breakfast session and £15.00 for an after school session.   Parents may be able to get help with childcare costs by signing up for a tax-free childcare account.  Under the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, the government contribute £2 for every £8 deposited into the account. You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year). These funds can then be used to pay your childcare provider.  Please be aware that tax-free childcare is subject to conditions, for example the provider must also be signed up to receive payments. How to use Tax-Free Childcare | HMRC Childcare Choices [https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/how-use-tax-free-childcare].

Parents accessing Universal Credit Childcare may be able to get help with up to 85%  of their childcare costs, to help pay for wraparound care.

If your child attends a school that does not currently have full 8am-6pm wraparound childcare (or equivalent hours) and you need this to support your working arrangements, please talk to your school.  You can also contact us at EYProviderfunding@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:EYProviderfunding@coventry.gov.uk] for help finding alternative providers who may be able to meet your before and after school needs.