What are the changes happening with the programme?

From September 2024, the expectation is that there will be an increase in the number of wraparound childcare places available across the county and that by September 2026 there will be sufficient places for all parents who need to have access to wraparound care either from their school or from another provider including early years settings and childminders.

The government funding is to help schools and providers create new or expand existing wraparound childcare in ways that make sure that is affordable for working parents. The aim is that by September 2026 the new and expanded childcare will be self-sustaining and meeting the needs of the local community and families.

The government is providing local authorities with a share of £289 million to help map out and accommodate the needs of parents in their area.

Local authorities will also be able to use the funds to test different ways to increase their wraparound options, including working with local private providers or partnering with schools.

Local authorities will also receive a share of a further £100 million to ensure childcare settings in the area – including both early years and wraparound settings – have enough physical space to roll out the programme from September 2024.