Wraparound care is now a crucial part of the school day for many working families — and the government is making it clear: by September 2026, all primary schools in England are expected to offer access to before and after-school childcare.
But how can schools make this happen in a way that’s sustainable, impactful, and financially viable?
This guide breaks down the current government wraparound care requirements, what funding is available to help you set up or expand your provision, and how Sprint Active Education can support your school every step of the way.
What Is Wraparound Care?
Wraparound care is childcare provided outside normal school hours — typically from 8am before school, and after school until 5pm or 6pm. For many families, it’s essential to their working lives.
For schools, it’s more than just supervision. When delivered well, wraparound care supports:
- Improved attendance and punctuality
- Greater pupil wellbeing
- Enrichment beyond the curriculum
- Closer engagement with families
- Opportunities for additional school revenue
Looking to improve your school’s wraparound offer? Contact us for support.
New Government Requirement: All Schools to Offer Wraparound by 2026
In 2023, the Department for Education announced a national ambition for all primary schools in England to offer wraparound childcare by 2026.
This is part of a wider childcare strategy designed to support working parents and improve access to affordable, flexible childcare.
DfE official guidance:
Wraparound childcare: guidance for schools and local authorities
As a school leader, you are encouraged to begin preparing your wraparound strategy now – whether that means enhancing your current offer or launching something new.
Government Funding for Wraparound Childcare – What’s Available?
To help schools meet this new requirement, the government has committed £289 million in wraparound childcare funding between 2024 and 2025.
What the wraparound funding can be used for:
- Starting new before and after-school clubs
- Expanding capacity or hours of current provision
- Hiring and training staff
- Equipment, resources, and setup costs
- Promotion and parent engagement
Who can access this funding?
- All state-funded primary schools in England
- Priority given to areas with low existing wraparound provision
How to apply:
- Funding is distributed via local authorities – contact your council’s education or schools team
- Alternatively, partner with a trusted wraparound care provider like Sprint Active – we can support your funding bid
How Sprint Active Can Help Your School with Wraparound Provision
At Sprint Active Education, we specialise in working with schools to design and deliver high-quality, sustainable wraparound childcare.
We can help your school:
- Access government wraparound funding
- Set up new before/after-school clubs quickly and compliantly
- Provide qualified, DBS-checked coaches and activity leaders
- Offer exciting enrichment activities that children love
- Create a long-term plan for financial sustainability
Free Resource: Wraparound Setup Toolkit + 15-Point Compliance Checklist
We’ve created a powerful guidance document exclusively for school leaders:
Maximising Wraparound Care – A Step-by-Step Toolkit for Schools
Inside you’ll find:
- How to assess demand and plan provision
- Budgeting and staffing templates
- A 15-point compliance checklist
- Tips to keep your wraparound financially viable and Ofsted-ready
Want a copy?
Just get in touch via the form below and we’ll send it to you directly.
Get Started Today
Whether you’re setting up wraparound care for the first time or scaling your existing provision, Sprint Active is here to support you.
Speak to our team about funding, setup, and delivery
