Wraparound childcare is childcare that ‘wraps around’ the conventional school day. It is:

  • for primary-aged school children
  • from 8am to 6pm during term-time weekdays
  • OFSTED registered childcare
  • provided by your local school or a childcare provider

Childcare providers

Wraparound childcare can be on or off your school site, delivered by:

  • your school
  • childminders
  • pre-schools
  • nurseries
  • activity clubs

You may know it as breakfast or after school clubs.

Wraparound for Dorset

The aim from government is that it should be in place at every primary school by September 2026. It should give parents more freedom to work without late or early school drops or pick ups. Find out more about the governments investment into wraparound childcare.

We are working with schools and other childcare providers across Dorset.

Paying for wraparound childcare

Wraparound childcare must be paid for by parents and carers. There are discounts and benefits you can access to help with costs, these include:

Tax Free Childcare

Tax free childcare can:

  • save eligible parents up to £2,000 per year for children aged up to 11
  • or £4,000 per year for children aged up to 17 with disabilities

Universal Credit Childcare

Universal Credit Childcare saves eligible parents up to 85% of their childcare costs. Is applicable for children aged up to 16.

Find out more about childcare funding at Childcare Choices.

Finding wraparound childcare

Contact your school to find out what is available. You can also check the Family Information Directory for local childcare providers who may be able to help.

If childcare between 8am and 6pm is not yet available do:

  • ask your school how they will be expanding wraparound childcare
  • explain what days and times you need

Information for providers

Funding opportunities for schools and childcare providers

The Department for Education have announced £2.2 million of funding for Dorset over the next 2 years.

This funding will be granted to schools and childcare providers. This will assist in the creation or expansion of wraparound childcare. Schools and childcare providers must be Ofsted registered to receive funding.

The wraparound programme funding can:

  • contribute to staffing costs
  • help with start-up/expansion running costs
  • fund training for wraparound staff (including playwork or specialist SEND training, ELSA, Safeguarding, First Aid)
  • fund transport hire

Contact

If you have any questions or need more information contact: wraparound@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk