School Age Childcare (SAC)

The government has recognised the importance for all parents of primary school aged children aged 4 to 11 to have access to ‘wraparound’ childcare in their local area between 8am and 6pm.

School age childcare (wraparound childcare) refers to childcare that ‘wraps’ around the conventional school day and is often referred to as breakfast clubs, after-school clubs. Wraparound care takes place on-site at the school, or in linked provision close by. It can be run by the school, or through a partner in the private or voluntary sector. This does not include school run activities or clubs that do not meet the childcare needs of working families e.g. weekly football club.

Childcare must be reliable, dependable, and able to continue every day in spite of potential issues such as staffing. Wraparound childcare is designed for parents to access employment or training and improve labour market participation.

The local authority is responsible for ensuring there are sufficient wraparound places in their area. Our role is to work with schools, trusts, and PVI providers (including childminders and early years providers) to set up new provision and expand existing provision (where a need has been identified).

Childcare sufficiency – Information for childcare providers