Wraparound childcare
In the Spring 2023 Budget the Government announced an investment of £289 million to Local Authorities to help facilitate and support the expansion of Wraparound childcare for primary school-aged pupils (5 to 11-years-old).
The Government’s ambition is for all parents/carers of primary school children who need to access childcare in their local area to be able to do so by September 2026. This will help ensure parents/carers have enough childcare to be able to work full-time, take on more hours or work more flexibly.
What is Wraparound childcare?
Wraparound childcare is before and after school care for primary school-aged children in England during term time. It is breakfast/before school provision starting 8.00am or earlier and regular after-school provision that runs until 6.00pm or later.
The childcare should be available on every school day outside of regular school hours and is aimed at helping parents/carers access more childcare and work the hours that suit them.
This is different from out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.
How do I find Wraparound childcare near me?
Parents/carers looking for childcare for their primary school child should speak to their child’s school who will be delivering this childcare directly or in partnership with a local Early Years childcare provider.
Alternatively, parents/carers will be able to use the Isle of Wight Council’s Family Information Hub from the Autumn term 2024 to find out what Wraparound childcare is currently available on the Isle of Wight.
How do I pay for wraparound childcare?
Parents/carers will continue to pay the school or Early Years provider directly for this childcare but may be able to access government support through Tax Free Childcare Accounts and Universal Credit childcare. Full details of how to qualify for this government financial help can be found at Childcare Choices
Wrapround Childcare for providers
As part of the Wraparound Childcare programme the Isle of Wight Council was awarded funding to support the roll out of this childcare offer to all Isle of Wight primary schools.
The Isle of Wight Council aims to use the grant funding to support providers to deliver the required hours of childcare (before and after school), to grow capacity to meet demand, to fill gaps in provision and help remove any barriers to providing this childcare.
At this stage we would welcome proposals/projects for Wraparound provision via this Expression of Interest (EOI) form
Expression of Interest (EOI) for Wraparound Grant Funding 2024
The deadline for EOI submissions is Friday 18 October 2024.
Viable projects identified through the EOI process will be invited to complete and submit a formal funding application to the Isle of Wight Council.
If you require any further information on the Wrapround Childcare offer as a parent/carer or as a childcare provider on the Isle of Wight, contact holidayactivities@iow.gov.uk