Wraparound childcare funding for schools

Posted on 9 October 2025 in News and updates

An opportunity for schools

We’re thrilled to share an exciting opportunity for your school to access wraparound childcare funding — and it’s one you won’t want to miss!

The government’s ambition is for all families with primary-aged children (Reception to Year 6) to be able to access childcare from 8am to 6pm, five days a week. Devon has been awarded over £3.5 million to support schools, childminders, and providers in creating or expanding wraparound childcare.

Why this matters

This funding helps reduce financial risk for providers, giving parents confidence in reliable childcare and enabling them to work full-time, increase hours, or return to training.

What’s new? Partial hours funding

Recognising the challenges of offering full 10-hour wraparound care, especially for smaller or rural schools, the DfE now allows funding for partial hours.

To qualify:

  • Breakfast clubs must run at least 30 minutes before the school day
  • After-school clubs must run at least 90 minutes after the school day
  • Provision must run at least 3 days a week, both before and after school

How much funding could you get?

Examples of funding available:

  • Approx .£16,500 for creating 7.5 hours of new childcare per week (e.g. 2.5 hours/day x 3 days)
  • Approx. £37,000 for creating 17.5 hours of new childcare per week (e.g. 3.5 hours/day x 5 days)

Additional funding available

  • Up to £1,350 start-up grant for training, resources, and registration costs
  • £200 per new place created for schools already offering wraparound care but want to increase your numbers
  • Support funding to help existing providers move toward viability, or apply for extra staffing for SEND support

Funding should:

  • Meet the needs of local families based on demand
  • Increase availability of places through new or expanded provision
  • Ensure consistent availability throughout term-time
  • Not reduce funding for full wraparound places
  • Serve as a bridge to full wraparound provision
  • Be available at least 3 days per week, before and after school
  • Allow flexibility in delivery, including different providers and locations
  • Allow exceptions for special schools with shorter hours or fewer days

Delivery options

Childcare can be delivered on or off the school site. Schools not in a position to run the childcare themselves can invite private providers through an expression of interest process.

Timescales

  • Funding is available for up to five terms, with a review after the first year
  • All funded childcare must start before 31st March 2026

How to apply