Wraparound Care 2025: What the New Funding Means for Your Family
With the government’s commitment to expanding wraparound childcare by September 2025, families across England are facing a major shift in how school-aged care is supported and accessed. But what does this new funding mean for your family, and how can you make the most of it?
Wraparound care—before- and after-school childcare for primary-aged children—is not just a convenience. It plays a key role in supporting working families, providing children with safe, engaging environments that promote social skills, creativity, and emotional development. Here’s what you need to know about the latest changes, how they affect you, and what to look for when choosing care for your child.
What Is Wraparound Care?
Wraparound care refers to the provision of childcare before and after school hours, typically from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This includes breakfast clubs and after-school clubs, which may offer play, sports, homework help, or creative activities. Many working parents rely on these services to manage work commitments while ensuring their children are in a safe, stimulating environment.
The benefits for children include:
Consistent routines
Peer interaction
Access to enriching experiences beyond the classroom
Reduced screen time and increased physical activity
Government Funding Explained
The UK Government has committed up to £289 million to expand access to wraparound childcare. The goal? To ensure that all working parents of primary-aged children in England can access care between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. by September 2025.
Key Highlights:
Implementation Deadline: September 2025
Eligible Families: Parents or carers in work with children in primary school
Funding Purpose: To help schools and providers create or extend existing wraparound provision
How It Works: Local authorities receive funding to support childcare providers and schools in delivering more places
What It Means for Parents
This initiative aims to:
Reduce the financial burden of childcare
Increase flexibility for working families
Improve accessibility to high-quality out-of-school care
What You Can Do Now:
Talk to your child’s school to ask whether they are expanding or launching wraparound services.
Register interest early – waiting lists may form as spaces grow.
Check your eligibility and apply for tax-free childcare or Universal Credit to support the cost.
Choosing High-Quality Wraparound Care
All wraparound care is not created equal. As a parent, it’s important to consider more than just availability. Here’s what to look for:
✔️ Staff Qualifications & Ratios
Are staff experienced and trained in childcare or education? What is the adult-to-child ratio?
✔️ Environment
Is it safe, welcoming, and child-friendly? Are there both active and quiet spaces?
✔️ Play Opportunities
Are children offered a range of play and learning experiences, including outdoors? Do they have choices?
✔️ Inclusion & SEND Support
Is the provision inclusive? Does it meet the needs of neurodivergent children or those with additional needs?
✔️ Communication
Do staff update you on your child’s wellbeing or progress? Is there a clear system for feedback or concerns?
The Child Centric Perspective
At Child Centric, we advocate for child-first approaches in all settings—including wraparound care. These environments should offer more than just supervision. They should inspire creativity, promote connection, and give children ownership of their time and play.
Our top priorities for wraparound care are:
Child-led activities
Staff trained in emotional development and behaviour support
Inclusive practices that celebrate each child’s uniqueness
Preparing Your Child for Extended Hours
For some children, spending longer hours away from home can feel daunting. Here are a few tips to ease the transition:
Visit the club together beforehand to build familiarity
Create a visual schedule so they know what to expect
Check in regularly and listen to your child’s feedback
Looking Ahead
The expansion of wraparound care offers big opportunities for families, but success will depend on clear communication between schools, providers, and parents. If you want the best for your child, don’t just look at availability—look at quality, connection, and how the environment makes your child feel.
Action Steps for Parents:
Start conversations with your school or local authority now
Use the Childcare Choices site to explore funding options
Share your child’s interests and needs with providers
Together, we can help ensure wraparound care in 2025 meets the real needs of children—not just the demands of working hours.
