What is the process for requesting wraparound and holiday childcare?
All parents in England have the right to request that the school their child attends, or is due to attend, consider setting up wraparound or holiday childcare if they do not already have it; this applies to childcare for children up to the age of 14, or 18 for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The right to request only applies to childcare and does not include activities such as after-school sports clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.
You should make your request to your child’s school in writing by letter, email, or through school-run parent surveys. You should tell them:
- the type of childcare you need (wraparound and/or holiday);
- the age of your child/children;
- the needs of the child (for example, the needs of a child with SEND); and
- when you most need it (for example, days of the week and times).
You should make your request to your child’s school in writing by letter, email, or through school-run parent surveys. You should tell them:
- the type of childcare you need (wraparound and/or holiday);
- the age of your child/children;
- the needs of the child (for example, the needs of a child with SEND); and
- when you most need it (for example, days of the week and times).
Your child’s school will contact their local authority to make them aware of your request. You should expect to be contacted by the local authority to discuss whether there is already suitable childcare in the local area.
Before making a decision about your request, your school may also need to find out about the childcare needs of other parents.
Your child’s school will contact their local authority to make them aware of your request. You should expect to be contacted by the local authority to discuss whether there is already suitable childcare in the local area.
Before making a decision about your request, your school may also need to find out about the childcare needs of other parents.
Your child's school will consider your request and let you know their decision within a term.
They should tell you the reason for their decision and any next steps they are taking.
Your child's school will consider your request and let you know their decision within a term.
They should tell you the reason for their decision and any next steps they are taking.
If your child’s school decides not to set up wraparound or holiday childcare, they should let you know other local childcare options. This might include putting you in contact with the wraparound lead in your local authority or your local family information service, who will have up-to date information about other available local childcare.
If your child’s school decides not to set up wraparound or holiday childcare, they should let you know other local childcare options. This might include putting you in contact with the wraparound lead in your local authority or your local family information service, who will have up-to date information about other available local childcare.
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