Wraparound childcare
What is wraparound childcare?
Wraparound childcare is term-time childcare for children aged 4 to 11 years that takes place before and after the school day. It gives children a safe, welcoming space where they can:
- enjoy a healthy breakfast or snack
- relax, play, and socialise with friends
- take part in fun and enriching activities
For parents and carers, wraparound care provides flexible, reliable support that can make it easier to work, train, study, or manage daily commitments.
When is it available?
Most wraparound childcare runs from:
- Before school - usually from 7.30am until the start of the school day
- After school - usually from the end of the school day until 6pm
Times and costs vary depending on the school or provider.
Financial support
Providers will set their own fees for wraparound places, so prices will vary.
Many families can get help with the cost of wraparound childcare.
- Tax-Free Childcare – available to working parents, offering up to £2,000 per child each year (£4,000 if your child is disabled).
- Universal Credit Childcare – working families may be able to claim backup to 85% of childcare costs.
- Childcare Vouchers – if you are already registered with your employer’s scheme.
Find out more and check what support you could receive at Best Start in Life.
Find wraparound childcare in Leicester
Additional before and after school providers
Other childcare providers may offer before and after school childcare away from the school site in the form of nurseries, childminders and clubs. Find a service:
Right to request
If your child’s school does not currently offer wraparound childcare, you have the right to request it. Schools are encouraged to listen to parents and consider requests where there is enough demand and it’s possible to run provision.
If you would like wraparound childcare at your school, speak directly to your headteacher or school office.
Schools and providers
We are working with schools and childcare providers to expand access to high-quality wraparound childcare across the city.
If you are interested in offering provision or want to find out about support available view the wraparound childcare programme information or email wraparound-provision@leicester.gov.uk.