The National Wraparound Childcare Programme is a key government initiative aimed at supporting working parents by providing primary school-aged children with extended hours of quality before- and after-school care. This programme is integral to helping parents access wider employment opportunities, families balance work and childcare responsibilities, and children receive the care and enrichment they need to thrive. The programme is tailored to meet the diverse needs of families, with schools and childcare providers playing a pivotal role in its successful delivery.
Starting in September, schools and PVI providers across Peterborough who have successfully applied for funding will be receiving their grant to implement their programmes. This aligns with the government's commitment to providing working parents with the flexibility they need to remain in or re-enter the workforce.
Funding and Application Process
Review the Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, schools and providers must propose projects that deliver the full wraparound definition, either through expansion of operational hours or increasing existing capacity. Eligibility criteria can be found in the Grant Funding Guidance which is downloadable below.
Grant Funding Guidance
Understand the Funding Usage
Funding can only be used for new term-time provision i.e. extended hours or new places; it cannot be used to subsidise existing provision or contribute to its running costs. Funding can be used for a variety of purposes including staffing, training, transport, resources, equipment, materials, and upgrading facilities. It can also be used to contribute to running costs whilst demand builds which can help mitigate financial risks to providers. Depending on the funding start date, take-up of provision, and sustainability of your programme, you may be eligible for up to 5 terms of funding. Places created via the programme will be paid for by parents who will be able to subsidise up to 85% of the costs using Universal Credit, or up to 20% using Tax-Free Childcare.
Prepare Your Application
Applications must include detailed information about how your school or setting plans to implement the Wraparound Childcare Programme, including a thorough breakdown of current and anticipated costs, and the impact on children and families.
Submit Your Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, as the funding window closes on 13 December 2024 and funding periods are dependent on the project start date, we recommend applying as early as possible.
Applications will be scored against the following criteria:
- Value for money, evaluated as a cost per childcare place created
- Commitment to meeting the 8am to 6pm requirement, and an explanation of how this will be achieved
- An ability to demonstrate appropriate care for children with additional, behavioural and complex needs
- An ability to demonstrate parent engagement and maximising take up of places
- An ability to be operational from Autumn Term 2024 or soon thereafter
- A commitment to allow families to pay using government benefits
- A commitment to participate in monitoring and auditing of the project
Receive Support
After submission, our team will review your application. We’ll work with you to ensure your programme meets the needs of your community and provides the best outcomes for parents and children.
Working together for success
We are dedicated to supporting schools and childcare providers throughout the process. Our team is available to provide guidance from the initial application stage through to the programme's ongoing management. You can schedule a meeting with our Wraparound Childcare Officer to discuss your specific needs and any questions.
This is an exciting opportunity to enhance the support on offer to families and children in Peterborough. Your active participation and prompt action are key to the success of this program, so we encourage all schools to collaborate closely with parents and local childcare providers to ensure the program meets the needs of your community.
Key contacts
Vincent Drummond – Wraparound Childcare Support Officer (vincent.drummond@peterborough.gov.uk / 01733 384500 / book a meeting)
Laura Adams – Wraparound Programme Lead (laura.adams@peterborough.gov.uk / 01733 863925)
