Wraparound Childcare
Information for Providers
National Wraparound Childcare Programme
- As part of the DfE Childcare Expansion Programme there are opportunities and funding available to create and expand wraparound provision across Halton.
- ‘Wraparound Care’ is childcare provided directly before or after school during term time for school aged children.
- The aim is for the parents and carers of all primary aged children to have access to before and after school care from 8am-6pm from Monday to Friday during term time by September 2026.
What Providers and Schools Need to Know
- Wraparound Childcare can be offered by schools and private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers (including childminders and early years settings).
- Provision can be based at a school or at a nearby location. Parents should not be expected to pick up children from school and drop them off at another location.
- Provision must be reliable and regular – not ad hoc.
- Provision is wraparound childcare paid for by parents – it is not funded or subsidised places.
Grant Funding
- Grant Funding is available to create new provision (where non currently exists), to expand the number of places available and to extend the hours of provision to meet the 8am to 6pm expectation.
- Schools and private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers (including childminders and early years settings can apply for funding.
- Grant funding can be used for staffing costs, training, transport costs, resources (some restrictions apply) and to contribute to running costs whilst demand builds.
- Funding cannot be used for capital projects, equipment or non-perishables, to subsidise the cost of places or to contribute to running costs of existing wraparound places.
How to Apply for Grant Funding
- Applications for grant funding can now be submitted.
- To find out more about the Wraparound Expansion Programme and applying for grant funding a number of online briefings are being held this term. Please use the links below to book on:
Information for Families
Wraparound Childcare
The number of places available for wraparound childcare for primary school children in Halton is increasing.
What is wraparound childcare?
Wraparound Childcare is before and after school care for primary school children. Childcare might be provided by your child’s school or by a private, independent or voluntary childcare provider.
How much does wraparound childcare cost?
Wraparound childcare is paid for by parents and carers. The cost of provision will vary, providers will set their own prices.
You may be able to get support to pay for wraparound childcare if you are eligible for Tax Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare.
Visit the Childcare Choices to check if you are eligible.
If you are a full-time higher education student you may be eligible for help with your childcare costs using the student finance childcare grant.
How can I find out if wraparound childcare is available near me?
Contact the Halton Family Information Service or contact your child’s primary school.
What if wraparound childcare is not available near me?
All parents have the right to request that the school their child attends, or is due to attend, consider setting up wraparound holiday care if they do not already have it.
You should make a request to the school in writing by letter, email or via a parent survey. You should tell them the type of childcare you need (before school and/or after school), the age of your child, any additional needs your child may have and when and how often you need childcare.
Your child’s school will consider the request and respond with a decision within a term. They should tell you the reason and any further steps they are taking.
You should also be put in contact with the Local Authority wraparound lead or Family Information Service you should be able to inform you of other local childcare options.