Wraparound childcare

Wraparound childcare refers to childcare directly before and after the school day. This was recently categorised as breakfast clubs and after-school clubs. This is different from:

  • out-of-school activities
  • activity clubs

These out-of-school activities clubs are usually less frequent than wraparound care.  

Wraparound care should be available for all primary school children, every weekday during term time, from 8 am until 6 pm.

How do I find a wraparound care provider?

To find wraparound childcare in your area, approach your school.

You can also search for wraparound places using our online directory.
East Sussex Community Information Service: ESCIS

ESCIS recently categorised wraparound childcare as 'breakfast and after-school clubs'. This has been updated to 'wraparound childcare'.

For further information, see Wraparound childcare - Best Start in Life.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child’s school have to provide wraparound care?

The government wants schools to offer wraparound care, but it isn’t always possible. Other organisations can help. Wraparound care can take place at school or somewhere else off-site.

How much does wraparound care cost?

Costs vary depending on the provider. You might be able to get some help with fees via Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare.  You can check if you are eligible on the Childcare Eligibility Checker - Best Start in Life website. However, there are no free places for wraparound care.

What if there is no wraparound available in my area?

Parents can ask the school to consider setting it up. Submit your requests in writing. 

Write a request and say which days and times you need wraparound care. This applies if your child is under 14, or 18 if they have SEND.

For more information, see the government's page on Wraparound childcare - Best Start in Life. 

How do I pay for wraparound childcare?

Providers will set their own fees for wraparound places, so prices will vary. Once you have chosen a provider, you would pay them directly for your child’s place.

If you are eligible, you will be able to use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare to help pay for your place. You might also be able to get help with your initial upfront childcare costs. Check what support is available to you by using the childcare eligibility checker.

For further information, see Wraparound childcare - Best Start in Life.

More information on childcare

This guidance explains what childcare providers should do to keep children safe. It is written for parents and carers:

To check if a provider is registered with Ofsted, use their online search tool:

Career opportunities

For information on careers in childcare, see Do something big (Department for Education)

For schools and providers

Schools and providers are asked to refer to National wraparound childcare programme | Czone for further information on how to support families and apply for funding. 

Need help?

You can email our team:

  •  wraparoundchildcare@eastsussex.gov.uk
  • When contacting us, please provide the school name and days/times needed. We do not need individual child details. 
  • We aim to reply within 5 working days.