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?
If you want to find wraparound childcare near you, you should ask your school first.
You can also find wraparound care by searching our online directory. The East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS lists these clubs as ‘wraparound childcare’.
For more details, visit the government’s Wraparound childcare - Best Start in Life page.
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 may be able to get help with fees through Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare. You can check your eligibility 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 Wraparound childcare - Best Start in Life page.
How do I pay for wraparound childcare?
Providers will set their own fees for wraparound places so that prices will vary. Once you have chosen a provider, you would pay them directly for your child’s place.
If you are eligible, you can use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare to help pay for wraparound care. You may 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 advice tells you what after-school clubs and other childcare groups must do to keep children safe. It is for parents and carers.
If you want to check if a club or childcare provider is registered with Ofsted, you can use their website to search:
Career opportunities
If you want to work with children, find out more on the Do Something Big (Department for Education) website.
For schools and providers
Schools and providers are asked to refer to the National wraparound childcare programme | Czone for further information on supporting families and applying for funding.
Need help?
If you want to get in touch with us, you can email:
When you email us, please include your school name and the days and times you need help. You do not need to give us details about your child.