Wraparound childcare

In Spring 2023 the government announced a national wraparound programme. The aim is to support all working families that need it, to access wraparound childcare from 8am to 6pm, in their local area. Essex County Council are committed to work with providers to ensure there is sufficient provision for all parents that require it from September 2024.  

What is wraparound childcare?

The term ‘wraparound childcare’ refers to provision directly before and after the school day, during school term time for primary school age children. The provision can be offered by schools, or private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) providers. This includes childminders and early years settings. The provision could be run on a school site or at another setting in the area.  

It should not require parents to pick their children up from school and drop them off at another location.  

Funding opportunities

To support this programme the Department for Education announced £6.9 million of funding for Essex over the next 2 years to assist with the creation of new childcare places for primary school aged children from 8am until 6pm during term time.   

Between now and 31st March 2026 which is when the funding ends, it has been allocated as follows:-​ ​

• Financial Year 2023/2024 - £59,204​
• Financial Year 2024/2025 - £4,711,016​
• Financial Year 2025/2026 - £2,168,894

Provider communications and updates

The government’s ambition is, that by 2026, all parents and carers of primary aged children will be able to access Ofsted registered term time childcare in their local area. This will cover hours that wrap around the school day from 8am-6pm. 

This needs to be available to all children whose parents require it, including children with SEND. The aim is to make it easier for parents to access employment.​

Essex County Council have been allocated £6.9 million between now and 31 March 2026 for the creation of new, fully inclusive provision within the County. The funding will split between revenue and capital streams and span the next two financial years.

What is capital funding?

This means building work, decoration, and the installation of fixed assets. It does not fund furniture or unfixed play resources.

What could you do with capital funding to create wraparound provision?

• Remodel some unused space

• Improve accessibility and make your wraparound provision more inclusive for children with additional needs or a disability

• Expand your current wraparound building to create new provision for future demand

• Add an extra toilet

• Make more of your outdoor space. A log cabin could create more places or offer dedicated spaces for wraparound provision

What could you do with revenue funding to create wraparound provision?

• Contribute to start up/expansion and running costs

• Training for wraparound staff, including playwork or specialist training for staff to ensure they feel equipped to support children with additional needs

• Transport hire to wraparound provision while demand builds

• Staffing costs

For any further queries or information please contact wraparound.childcare@essex.gov.uk