National wraparound childcare programme
Wraparound childcare refers to childcare directly before and after the school day. In this context it is for primary school age children. It should cover the period of 8am to 6pm, during term time only.
The provision can be offered by schools and private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers. This includes childminders and early years settings. It can be run on or off a school site. It should not need parents to pick their children up from school and drop them off at another location.
Wraparound childcare should be:
- Reliable and consistent for working parents
- Affordable for families
- Inclusive
- Something that children want to attend
It is not:
- Extracurricular activities available for fewer than five days a week
- Extracurricular activities available for fewer hours than needed by working families
- An extension to the school day
The Department for Education (DfE) provides Wraparound childcare guidance for schools.
Webinar
This webinar is an introduction to the National Wraparound Childcare Programme. It provides and overview of the programme, including details of funding and delivery models.
- National Wraparound Programme: Introduction for Schools, Trusts, Private, Voluntary and Independent Providers and Childminders
Grant funding
The council has been given revenue and capital funding to support the programme. We will work with schools and providers in areas where wraparound places need to be expanded or created. Funding is also available to test flexible delivery models.
Eligibility
To apply for grant funding you must meet the eligibility criteria. This explains what grant funding can be used for and how it will be awarded.
Eligibility criteria for funding [89.4 KB] [docx]
Apply for funding
We have been undertaking supply and demand mapping to identify areas where demand outstrips supply. If you are thinking of applying for funding you will need to discuss your requirements with us first by contacting wraparoundchildcare@eastsussex.gov.uk
The documents below are provided to support you in your application.
Childcare business plan template [470.9 KB] [docx]
Forecasting calculator [38.1 KB] [xlsx]
Short audit for wraparound programme [509.1 KB] [docx]
We have created guidance to support you with writing your business plan.
Business plan guidance [477.3 KB] [docx]
Training for wraparound childcare providers available from September 2025
This training is free for schools and wraparound childcare providers in East Sussex. Places are funded through the National Wraparound Programme. All sessions will take place via Microsoft Teams.
Safeguarding training [24.4 KB] [docx]
SEND training [24.1 KB] [docx]
Places on each course are limited to one per school or setting. Additional requests will be put on a waiting list.
To book a place, please email Wraparound Childcare with the following details:
- Your name
- The name of your school or setting
- The title of the course you wish to attend
- The date of the course you wish to attend
Please make sure you have your manager’s permission to attend.
Support for families
For wraparound to be accessible and sustainable for parents, it must be affordable. Providers should promote subsidies such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare. Guidance and resources are available on the Best Start in Life website.
Informing parents about wraparound care
As part of the national wraparound childcare programme, schools are asked to support parents and carers by signposting them to information on available wraparound care. Providing details on wraparound care in your school newsletter or on your website can help families access the care they need and promote the provision in your local area.
Here are some options for content you can use and adapt to fit your school's situation.
Key points to cover:
- What it is (childcare before and after school,8am-6pm, term-time).
- Where to find it (if your school provides it or if parents should contact the local Family Information Service for providers in the area).
- Help with costs (parents may be eligible for financial support like Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit).
- Tell parents how to find more information (e.g, Speak to the school office).
- Sample newsletter: Do you need wraparound care (before and after school)? We can help advise parents on what wraparound care is available. Care will be provided on the premises or from a childminder who will drop your child off or pick them up at the start or end of the school day.
Eligible parents may get help with the cost of wraparound care through Tax Free Childcare or the childcare element of Universal Credit.
Parents should contact [insert contact method] to find out more information. - Download a wraparound care email header image
Schools can also watch the DfE wraparound care webinar highlighting case studies of how schools have promoted wraparound care.
Additional support
Childcare Works has launched the new Wraparound Childcare Toolkit | from Childcare Works. Experts have created it to help you start, sustain, or grow your childcare provision.
It is designed for all providers at any stage. It provides guidance on childcare services and advice for businesses, childminders, and charities. You’ll also find help with marketing, HR, leadership, management, and partnerships.
Content is organised into six ‘topics’:
- Business Planning
- Business Growth
- Running of Your Childcare Provision
- Leadership and Management
- Partnership Working
- SEND and Inclusive Practice
Access the Wraparound Toolkit here: Wraparound Childcare Toolkit | from Childcare Works
Resources available to help with setting up and expanding wraparound provision.
- Registering with Ofsted
- Sign up to Tax-Free Childcare for providers
- Responding to requests for wraparound childcare
- Childcare Works HUB for providers
- Out of School Alliance
- After-school clubs, community activities and tuition: safeguarding guidance for providers - GOV.UK
- Creating Inclusive Provision Toolkit - childcareworks.org.uk
For further information and support, please contact WraparoundChildcare@eastsussex.gov.uk .