What is wraparound childcare?

Wraparound care is care that is provided before and after normal school hours which are typically 9am to 3pm. This type of care is mainly but not exclusively for primary school age children from Reception to year 6 in England during term time, such as breakfast clubs and regular afterschool provision that runs until 6pm or later. The care should be available every school day outside of regular school hours and is aimed at helping parents access more childcare and work the hours they want to.

Wraparound childcare is not out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity. It is also not a homework club.

For the purposes of this programme wraparound childcare is defined as provision directly before and after the school day during school term time for primary school age children that should be accessible from 8am to 6pm.

More information can be found in the national wraparound childcare programme handbook.