School-age childcare (including wraparound) – information for providers
For further information about school-age childcare, wraparound childcare, breakfast clubs or holiday provision in Devon, please contact: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Supporting families and expanding childcare provision
Devon County Council has secured funding to extend the National Wraparound Childcare Programme until March 2027. The Government’s ambition is for all families with primary school-aged children (Reception to Year 6) to have access to childcare from 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday during term time. To help achieve this, Devon has been awarded funding to support schools, childminders and childcare providers to create new wraparound childcare places, or expand existing provision.
Why this matters
This funding helps providers develop sustainable childcare services while reducing the financial risks associated with setting up or expanding provision.
Benefits include:
- Providing parents and carers with reliable, dependable childcare.
- Supporting families to work, increase their working hours, undertake training or return to employment.
- Increasing access to childcare before and after the school day.
- Improving childcare availability across Devon’s communities.
Find out more
Please use the tabs below to explore the funding opportunities available, eligibility criteria and application guidance.
For further information, please contact: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Useful information
- Wraparound childcare: guidance for local authorities – GOV.UK
- Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme – Children, families and education
- Free breakfast clubs and wraparound childcare – Best Start in Life
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About school-age childcare
About school-age childcare
Devon County Council has a legal duty under the Childcare Act 2006 to ensure there are sufficient childcare places for working parents and for parents engaged in education or training.
To support this duty, Devon:
- Works with schools, childcare providers and communities to increase childcare availability.
- Supports the development of sustainable and inclusive childcare provision.
- Monitors childcare demand and availability through the county’s Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.
- Continues to expand wraparound childcare opportunities across the county.
- Supports the delivery of the Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme to help strengthen sustainable childcare provision.
Why school-age childcare matters
The Government’s ambition is for all primary school-aged children to have access to wraparound childcare from 8:00am to 6:00pm during term time.
High-quality School-Age childcare helps:
- Parents and carers balance work, education and family life.
- Children access safe, enjoyable and stimulating environments outside school hours.
- Families benefit from consistent and dependable childcare throughout the school year.
What does school-age childcare include?
- Before-school childcare, including breakfast clubs
- After-school childcare, including extended-day provision
- Holiday childcare, including holiday clubs and schemes
How is school-age childcare different from school activity clubs?
School-Age childcare is different from activity clubs or enrichment sessions because:
- Provides a regular childcare service rather than a one-off or occasional activity.
- Operates on every school day that the school is open.
- Must remain available regardless of routine staffing challenges or poor weather conditions.
- Is designed primarily to meet childcare needs and support working families.
Activity clubs, sports clubs and enrichment activities may complement childcare provision, but they do not usually provide the consistent, dependable childcare that families require.
Further information
For further information about School-Age Childcare, wraparound childcare, breakfast clubs or holiday provision in Devon, please contact: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
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Apply for Wraparound Childcare Funding (including SEND and Sustainability funding
The Devon Wraparound Childcare Programme provides funding to help schools, childcare providers and childminders develop high-quality, sustainable and inclusive wraparound childcare for primary-aged children.
Funding is available to:
- Create new wraparound childcare provision.
- Expand or extend existing breakfast clubs and after-school clubs.
- Support short-term sustainability challenges.
- Help providers meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Support eligible childminders to develop new school-age childcare provision.
How to apply
To help you prepare your application, we strongly recommend that you download and complete the Word version of the application form first.
- Read the Wraparound Funding Guidance
- Download the Wraparound Word Application Form
- Complete all sections and save a copy locally on your computer.
- Once completed, copy and paste your answers into the Wraparound Online Application Form
This will help ensure you have all the information required before submitting your application and reduce the risk of losing information if your session is interrupted.
Application process
Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis and are then presented to the funding panel for consideration. We aim to provide applicants with a decision within three weeks of submission, although timescales may vary depending on the volume of applications and whether further information is required.
To avoid delays, please ensure that:
- All questions are completed fully and accurately.
- Supporting information is provided where requested.
- Financial information is realistic and evidence based.
- Sustainability plans are clear and achievable.
- Any requested documents are submitted with your application. Email to: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Incomplete applications may be returned for further information before being considered by the panel.
Important information
All applications must demonstrate a clear pathway to long-term sustainability. Funding is intended to support the development of viable childcare services that can continue beyond the grant period.
Applications must be submitted by 28 February 2027, and all funded activity must be operational by April 2027.
Further information
For guidance on the national programme, please refer to: School-age childcare guidance for schools – GOV.UK
If you have any questions, please contact: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
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How to set up school-age childcare
How to set up school-age childcare
Setting up a successful wraparound childcare provision requires careful planning and a clear understanding of local demand. The resources below will help you assess the need for childcare, develop a sustainable business plan, and access support throughout the process.
- Top Tip: Before starting your application, read the Funding Guidance and Application Guidance documents available on this website. They contain important information about eligibility, sustainability requirements and the evidence you will need to provide.
Demonstrate local demand
- Before creating or expanding childcare provision, you should gather evidence that families in your community need the service.
- Devon’s annual Childcare Sufficiency Assessment identifies areas where additional childcare may be required: Childcare sufficiency – Information for childcare providers
Parent consultation template
Schools and providers should consult with parents and carers to understand demand for breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and holiday childcare. Evidence from parent consultations can be used to support both your business plan and funding application.
- We have produced an example survey that can be adapted to suit your local circumstances: Schools childcare survey for parents – example – online forms template version
- If you have existing childcare but the numbers attending are low, use this questionnaire: Schools Childcare Survey for Parents – Use it or Lose It!
Creating your business plan
All funded provision must demonstrate a clear pathway to long-term sustainability.
Your business plan should include:
- Expected attendance numbers based on consultation findings.
- Projected income and expenditure.
- Staffing requirements and associated costs.
- Plans for growth and sustainability beyond any funding period.
- Any risks and how these will be managed.
- Be realistic when forecasting attendance and income. Accurate planning will help demonstrate that your provision is financially viable and sustainability
To help with this process, we have provided a financial planning template: Wraparound Childcare Financial Planning Template
Access support and resources
The Knowledge Hub contains practical guidance, templates, examples and resources to support schools, childminders and childcare providers:
Existing knowledge hub users
- Welcome – Knowledge Hub
- If you do not already have access, request to join and look out for confirmation from the Knowledge Hub team.
New knowledge hub user
- Go to Sign up – Knowledge Hub and enter your details
- You’ll receive an email to verify your email address. If you can’t find the email, check Junk folders
- Follow the instructions provided, and contact support@khub.net if you have any issues
Keep your provider information up to date
- All childcare providers should ensure their details are kept up to date through Devon’s Provider Self Update process.
- Devon Provider Self Update
- Provider Portal
- Information submitted through the Provider Portal is used to populate:
- Find Childcare in Devon
Keeping your information current helps families find and access your childcare provision.
Need advice?
If you are considering setting up, extending or expanding childcare provision and would like to discuss your plans, please contact your Early Years Sufficiency and Welfare Adviser (EYSWA) or the Wraparound Childcare Team before applying.
We are happy to discuss your ideas, review your proposed approach and help you understand the funding requirements before you submit an application: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
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Parents' right to request childcare
Parents’ right to request childcare
Schools play an important role in helping families access childcare that meets their needs. All schools should consider and respond to requests from parents for wraparound childcare provision. For full guidance, please read: Responding to requests for wraparound childcare – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
When considering requests for childcare provision, schools should ensure the process is transparent and communicated clearly to parents and providers.
Schools should:
- Be clear about the process and expected timescales.
- Engage with Devon County Council and any relevant landowners where appropriate.
- Keep parents, carers and providers informed throughout the process.
- Consider evidence of local demand and childcare sufficiency.
- Provide clear reasons where a request is approved or declined.
Schools wishing to assess local demand can use our example parent survey: Schools childcare survey for parents – example
Further information on childcare sufficiency in Devon is available here: Childcare sufficiency – Information for childcare providers
If you would like advice on responding to a request or developing wraparound childcare provision, please contact the Wraparound Childcare Team at: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.
For more information see:
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Free breakfast clubs
Free breakfast clubs
The government is committed to offering a free breakfast club in every state-funded school with primary aged pupils in England (the new breakfast club offer). Breakfast clubs are designed to break down barriers to opportunity, as well as tackle the impact of child poverty.
Free universal breakfast clubs give children a supportive start to the school day, ensuring they are ready to learn and make the most of the opportunities schools offer. Schools that offer breakfast clubs report improvements in behaviour, attendance and academic attainment. These are benefits that support children to achieve and thrive, while supporting teachers and school staff in their work. Breakfast clubs also support families financially by reducing the costs of living.
There is more information available on a headteacher’s view on the benefits of breakfast clubs.
If you have questions about running a breakfast club in Devon please contact: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
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Training / conference
School age childcare (wraparound) providers can access training from the Devon Education Services Shop: Early years, childcare, wraparound childcare advice and training | DES
School age childcare provider network meetings
These provider network meetings will offer a valuable opportunity to receive updates, access training, share key information, and network with other school age providers.
Each session will be split into two parts:
- The first half will cover updates, key dates, and data sharing
- The second half will focus on training and relevant topics, based on your feedback
Please note that the second half will be the same at both the lunchtime and evening sessions, allowing you to attend at a time that suits you.
Dates:
To be confirmed soon!
The sessions will be delivered remotely by Microsoft Teams.
Who can attend?
These sessions are important for HAF, Wraparound or Free Breakfast Club staff and organisations primarily but also relevant to anyone working with children and young people of school age outside of school hours and during the holidays.
How to book:
Please book your place by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop.
You will need to register with a Shop account in order to book.
Resources from previous sessions:
PowerPoint presentation from 1 and 4 June 2026 sessions
PowerPoint presentation from 1 and 4 June – food
Out of school childcare conference 2026
This year’s conference will celebrate the power of play in school-aged childcare and explore how high-quality wraparound provision can be inclusive, engaging, and sustainable. Keynote speakers and supporting workshops will cover the importance of play and the positive impact it can have on children’s development, mental health, the economic importance of having reliable and dependable childcare to enable parents to work or train and much more.
Through presentation and a choice of interactive workshops, you will receive practical ideas, creative solutions and real-life examples which can be implemented immediately within your own setting.
This conference is a must for all staff and managers working within the sector and will cover and promote all aspects of running school age childcare including Wraparound Childcare, Holiday and Food Programme (HAF) and the Breakfast Club programme.
In addition to the fantastic programme on offer, we will also have a wide range of exhibitors available to support your provision.
When is it?
- Wednesday 18 November 2026 (9.30am – 3pm) at Exeter Racecourse
How much does it cost?
We are pleased to offer this event fully funded to all Devon school age childcare settings who provide wraparound childcare, Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) and access to Early Access Breakfast Club (EABC).
If you are a provider but outside of Devon, the conference is chargeable at £55.
How do I book?
Please book your place by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: Out of school childcare conference 2026 | DES
Play Skills development morning 2027
Join us for an inspiring morning of play and interactive training! We’re excited to offer this half day play skills event for the second year in a row. This event is fully funded for Devon providers supported by the Wraparound Childcare Programme in Devon County Council.
This is your chance to refresh your ideas, boost your confidence, and take your play provision to the next level. We’re delighted to welcome back two expert speakers who will dive deeper into the importance of play skills in children’s development and help us continue celebrating the joy of school-aged children’s play in Devon.
When is it?
- Tuesday 23 March 2027 (10am – 12pm) at Westpoint, Exeter.
What’s in store?
- Interactive training seminar – Packed with practical tips and creative ideas to make your setting fun, inclusive, and a place children want to be
- Inclusive practice – Learn how to create environments where every child feels welcome and engaged
- Impactful play – Explore how play settings can empower children to play freely and safely, without being overly risk-averse.
How much does it cost?
We are pleased to offer this event fully funded to all Devon school age childcare settings who provide wraparound childcare, Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) and access to Early Access Breakfast Club (EABC).
If you are a provider but outside of Devon, the conference is chargeable at £50.
How do I book?
Book your place by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: Play Skills development morning 2027 | DES
Funded Level 3 Diploma in Playwork
The course is designed for learners 18 years + who are currently working or volunteering in a Playwork setting with children and young people aged 4 to 16 years. It is ideal for experienced playworkers or those stepping up to a role that requires you to work unsupervised or in a supervisory capacity. Settings may include breakfast or after-school clubs, holiday playschemes, adventure playgrounds or open access playcentres.
When does the course start?
The course starts on 4th June 2026, online, between 10:45 am – 2:45 pm and will take approximately 15 months to complete.
How much does it cost?
The course is FREE, subject to eligibility.
Find out more:
For more information please speak to the Customer Service team at Learn Devon on 01392 384094 or visit: Diploma in Playwork (Level 3) – Learn Devon
The Essential 3 series – marketing, team and finance
From surviving to thriving: financial success in wraparound care
From Surviving to Thriving: Financial Success in Wraparound Care explored how providers can build sustainable services by understanding key financial basics such as profit and loss, cashflow and occupancy. The session shared practical tips on setting sustainable parent fees, managing costs, and using support such as Tax‑Free Childcare to balance affordability with long‑term viability. Access the session resources to support your financial planning and catch up if you weren’t able to attend
We are pleased to share with you the slides from the session:
The big picture – marketing wraparound care
No matter how good your childcare provision is, if parents don’t know about it, it won’t be sustainable.
This workshop was designed to give settings the confidence and practical tools to market and promote their wraparound care effectively. Earlier this year, we delivered The Big Picture – Marketing Devon, a hands-on training session focused on helping providers tell their story clearly, consistently and with impact.
The session shared practical insights, real examples and easy-to-use tools to support local marketing and promotion. If you couldn’t attend—or would like a refresher—you can explore the resources here, packed with ideas you can put into practice straight away.
Access the session resources to support your financial planning and catch up if you weren’t able to attend.
Recruitment and retention – attracting and keeping the right people
This session aimed to provide participants with the tools and confidence to recruit and retain the right people for their organisation by aligning recruitment strategies with organisational vision, values and culture. It also focused on practical approaches to keeping playworker engaged and committed in situations where salary increases were not an option.
Resources to follow.
Fun with food workshop – for all early years and childcare and out of school wraparound providers
All school-age childcare settings must provide food, especially in the breakfast clubs. This workshop, which ran on 20th May covered healthy and fun food activities for children. The session provided ideas for fun hands-on food sessions which can be done on a low budget, with limited kitchen facilities and safely adapted to suit individuals with dietary requirements and intolerances.
If you would more information please email: educate.earlyyearswraparound-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Paediatric first aid training
This 12 hour course is consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A of the EYFS statutory framework.
This course comprises of:
- 6 hours independent study (eLearning)
- 6 hours skills assessment (in person; small groups of 12 maximum)
Dates of skills session:
- Please check website for latest dates: EYCS Paediatric first aid training | DES
Cost: £80 per person (due to increase to £85 pp in Sept 26)
Bookings for this course are now being taken from the Shop: EYCS Paediatric first aid training | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
(you will need to add both products (eLearning and skills session) to your basket in order to pay and book).
(If you are paying on behalf of a staff member/s you will need to visit your ‘Admin area’ within your shop account and assign the eLearning to the member of staff).
Safeguarding and Child Protection Core (all early years and childcare practitioners) (previously safeguarding awareness group 2 core)
The safeguarding awareness training is suitable for childminders and all those working in early years and childcare group-based settings (i.e.; assistants / apprentices/ volunteers).
To recognise your role and responsibilities in safeguarding and protecting children, know what concerns to be alert to and how to raise them in line with local processes. This is an eLearning course.
Access the eleraning from the Devon Education Services Shop: Early Years and Childcare: Safeguarding and Child Protection Core (all early years and childcare practitioners) online learning course | DES
Fully funded.
Needs to be refreshed every 2 years.
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) training:
This video will provide you with an understanding of the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO); it explains what should be referred to the LADO and, importantly, what should not be referred.
This course is for anyone who works with or cares for children and young people within Devon. It is fully funded.
The LADO video learning is accessed by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: EYCS: Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) online learning | DES
Fully funded.
Safer recruitment training
The training is in the form of a 35 minute video presentation and there is a downloadable PowerPoint slide which contains links from the presentation. The video shares information on the safer recruitment process for early years and childcare settings – this includes all Ofsted registered early years settings (childminders with assistants and Wraparound care providers).
It covers:
- purpose of safer recruitment
- statutory/non statutory guidance that supports settings with safer recruitment
- the safer recruitment process
- other considerations
Follow this link to access the training on the Devon Education Services Shop: EYCS Safer Recruitment | DES
You will need to log into your Shop account to access the training, or register with a new account if you haven’t got one.
You will then need to ‘buy’ the course (it’s fully funded), and the training will be available in the ‘My online courses’ area of your Shop account.
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Support with recruitment
Recruiting the right people with the right skills and experience, at the right time, is essential for your business. We can support you by promoting your early years and childcare job vacancies, including out of school and wraparound posts.
Read more about the job vacancy service and find out how to submit a job advert here: Submit a vacancy – Information for childcare providers
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