Is the government providing free wraparound care?

The UK Government announced in 2023 that all primary schools in England should offer wraparound care (8am–6pm) by September 2026. This does not mean free — it means available. Parents will still pay, but some funding is being provided to set up new provision where it doesn't exist. Schools can partner with external providers. This commitment only applies to England.

How do I find registered childcare near me?

In England: use the Ofsted childcare register (reports.ofsted.gov.uk) or Childcare.co.uk. In Wales: Family Information Services (your local council). In Scotland: Care Inspectorate register (careinspectorate.com). In Northern Ireland: Family Support NI. Your local council's Family Information Service is often the best starting point.

What are the funded hours and how do I claim them?

Funded hours vary by nation and child's age. In England: apply for a code at gov.uk/childcare-calculator. Give the code to your childcare provider. In Wales: apply through your local authority for the Childcare Offer. In Scotland: apply through your local council. The provider claims the funding directly — you don't receive cash.

Can I use funded hours at any childcare provider?

Only at providers registered with the relevant inspection body and who have agreed to offer funded places. Not all private nurseries accept funded children, and some that do may charge "top-up" fees for extras (meals, trips, consumables). In England, providers cannot charge for the funded hours themselves, but they can charge for optional extras.

What should I look for in an after-school club?

Check: Ofsted registration (compulsory for under-8s in England), staff-to-child ratios, DBS checks for all staff, the range of activities offered, food/snack provision, outdoor space, how they handle behaviour and medical needs, and what happens if you're late collecting. Ask to visit before committing. Talk to other parents.

My school doesn't offer breakfast or after-school club. What can I do?

Ask the school directly — some start provision when there's enough demand. Contact your local council's childcare team for nearby options. Childminders often offer before/after-school care with school pick-up/drop-off. The government's wraparound care commitment (England) should increase availability by 2026.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare for holiday clubs?

Yes. Tax-Free Childcare can be used for any Ofsted-registered childcare, including holiday clubs, breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, childminders, and nurseries. The 25% top-up applies to all of these. You can save and build up funds in your TFC account during term time and spend them in the holidays.

What is the HAF programme?

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free holiday club places for children eligible for free school meals in England. It covers Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays. Local authorities commission providers. Places include healthy meals and enriching activities. Check your council's website for local HAF provision.

Are childminder numbers declining?

Yes. The number of registered childminders in England has dropped by around 40% since 2012. Reasons include: low pay, administrative burden, pension auto-enrolment costs, competition from nurseries offering funded hours, and the impact of COVID-19. The government has introduced grants and reduced inspection burdens to try to reverse the trend.

What rights do I have to flexible working for childcare?

From April 2024, all employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment (previously 26 weeks). Employers must deal with requests "in a reasonable manner" and can only refuse for specified business reasons. You can make two requests per year. This applies across the UK. See ACAS guidance for details.

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Parent Guide

Wraparound Care & Childcare

Childcare is the second-biggest bill most working families face after rent or mortgage — and a maze of funded hours, tax-free top-ups, and wraparound schemes can knock thousands off it if you know what to claim. Here’s what’s available, what it costs, and how to make it fit around a school day.

20–25 min readAll UK nationsUpdated April 2026AI-drafted, human-reviewed

Key facts

Working parents in England can claim up to 30 funded childcare hours/week for 3–4-year-olds; Scotland leads with 1,140 free hours/year.
Tax-Free Childcare gives a 25% government top-up — up to £2,000/year per child — and works for breakfast clubs, holiday clubs, and childminders.
All primary schools in England must offer wraparound care (8am–6pm) by September 2026 — but parents will still pay.
Childminder numbers have dropped 40% since 2012, creating "childcare deserts" in many areas.
The HAF programme provides free holiday club places for children eligible for free school meals in England.

Max funded hours/week for working parents (England, 3–4yr)

£2,000

Max Tax-Free Childcare top-up per year per child

1,140

Free hours/year for 3–4yr olds in Scotland

40%

Drop in childminder numbers since 2012

Funded-hour entitlements: gov.uk/childcare-calculator and the equivalent Welsh, Scottish and NI guidance (current at time of review). Childminder workforce trend: Ofsted Childcare Provider Register, 2012–2025. Always check gov.uk for the latest eligibility before applying.

Childcare policy is changing fast

England is expanding funded childcare hours to younger children (from 9 months for working parents). The rollout is happening in phases through 2024–2025. Wales and Scotland are also expanding provision. Check gov.uk/childcare-calculator for the latest eligibility.

Types of Care

Six main types of childcare, each with different costs, hours, and quality checks.

Breakfast club

Before-school provision, typically 7:30–8:45am. May include food, games, homework time, and supervised activities.

Typical cost

£3–8 per session, or free (many schools now offer free breakfast clubs under government programmes)

Availability

Offered by most primary schools. Less common in secondaries. Some run by external providers on school premises.

Quality checks

If run by the school, covered by the school's Ofsted registration. External providers need their own Ofsted registration.

After-school club

Post-school provision, typically 3:15–6:00pm. Mix of structured activities (sports, arts, homework) and free play.

Typical cost

£5–15 per session. Some schools offer free extracurricular clubs (not the same as formal childcare).

Availability

Most primary schools offer something. Quality and hours vary enormously. Some are school-run, many are external providers.

Quality checks

Must be registered with Ofsted (England) if caring for children under 8 for more than 2 hours. Estyn, Care Inspectorate (Scotland), and HSCT (NI) regulate in their nations.

Holiday club

Full-day provision during school holidays. Typically 8am–6pm. Activities, trips, sports, and arts.

Typical cost

£25–50+ per day. Weekly packages often cheaper (£100–200/week). Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free places for FSM-eligible children in England.

Availability

Run by schools, councils, charities, and private providers. Availability varies hugely by area. Rural areas often have fewer options.

Quality checks

Must be Ofsted-registered if operating for more than 14 days/year (England). Check registration before booking. Look for activity providers that are Ofsted-registered, not just DBS-checked.

Childminder

Registered individual who cares for children in their own home. Can offer before-school, after-school, and holiday care. Often more flexible than clubs.

Typical cost

£4–8 per hour. Can use funded hours (eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds). Tax-Free Childcare and childcare vouchers accepted.

Availability

Declining numbers across the UK — down 40% since 2012. Urban areas have better availability. Childcare.co.uk and local Family Information Services can help find one.

Quality checks

Must be Ofsted-registered (England), Care Inspectorate (Scotland), CIW (Wales), or HSCT (NI). Inspected regularly. Ratios: max 6 under-8s (3 under-5s).

Nursery / pre-school

For children aged 0–5. Full-day or sessional care. Settings include private nurseries, school nursery classes, maintained nurseries, and pre-schools/playgroups.

Typical cost

£50–80+/day full-time (huge regional variation: London averages higher). Funded hours reduce this significantly.

Availability

Generally good in urban areas. Rural "childcare deserts" exist. Waiting lists are common — register early (ideally during pregnancy for popular settings).

Quality checks

Must be registered and inspected. Ofsted (England), CIW (Wales), Care Inspectorate (Scotland), HSCT (NI). Follow the EYFS (England) or equivalent framework.

Au pair / nanny

Private in-home childcare. Nannies are professional carers (some with qualifications). Au pairs are young people from abroad living with the family in exchange for childcare and pocket money.

Typical cost

Nanny: £10–15/hour (£25,000–45,000/year gross for full-time). Au pair: £80–120/week pocket money plus board. Nanny share: split costs with another family.

Availability

Available everywhere but costs limit access. Nanny agencies, childcare.co.uk, and Nanny Tax for payroll management.

Quality checks

Not required to be Ofsted-registered (working in your home). You are the employer — responsible for DBS checks, employment law, insurance, and tax. HMRC requires you to run payroll for nannies.

Funded Hours by Nation

Every nation offers some free childcare hours, but the amount, eligibility, and age ranges differ significantly.

England

Under 2: 15 hours/week for working parents of children aged 9 months+ (from September 2024). Income threshold: each parent earns equivalent of 16 hours/week at minimum wage and <£100k/year.

Age 2: 15 hours/week for all 2-year-olds (universal, from April 2024). Previously only disadvantaged families.

Ages 3–4: 30 hours/week for working parents (extended entitlement). 15 hours/week universal for all. Term-time only (38 weeks) or "stretched" across more weeks at fewer hours.

The government is extending funded hours to younger children (from 9 months) in phases. By September 2025, the full rollout should be complete. Check gov.uk/childcare-calculator for current eligibility.

Wales

Under 2: Flying Start programme: 12.5 hours/week of free childcare for 2-year-olds in eligible areas (expanding). No universal funded hours for under-2s.

Age 2: Flying Start: 12.5 hours/week in eligible postcodes (expanded from 2022). Check with your local authority for eligibility.

Ages 3–4: 10 hours/week Foundation Phase nursery (term-time, ages 3–4). Childcare Offer for Wales: additional 20 hours/week for working parents (30 hours total). Available 48 weeks/year.

The Childcare Offer for Wales provides 30 hours/week for working parents of 3–4-year-olds, 48 weeks/year. This is more generous than England's term-time model.

Scotland

Under 2: No universal funded hours. Some local authority programmes exist. Scottish Government is exploring expansion.

Age 2: Funded 1,140 hours/year (~30 hours/week term-time, or fewer hours stretched over more weeks) for eligible 2-year-olds. Eligibility: low income, care-experienced, or other qualifying criteria.

Ages 3–4: 1,140 hours/year for all 3–4-year-olds (universal). Can be used flexibly across the year. Scotland leads the UK in funded hours for this age group.

Scotland offers the most generous funded provision for 3–4-year-olds in the UK: 1,140 hours/year, equivalent to 30 hours/week for 38 weeks.

Northern Ireland

Under 2: No universal funded hours for under-2s. Sure Start programmes offer support in disadvantaged areas.

Age 2: No universal funded hours for 2-year-olds. Some targeted provision through Sure Start.

Ages 3–4: 12.5 hours/week pre-school education for all (1 year before compulsory school age). Funded places in statutory nurseries, voluntary pre-schools, and private settings.

NI has the least funded childcare in the UK. The 12.5 hours/week for pre-school children is less than half of what's available in Scotland or England.

	England	Wales	Scotland	N. Ireland
Under 2 (working)	15 hrs (from 9m)	None	None	None
Age 2	15 hrs (all)	12.5 hrs (targeted)	1,140 hrs/yr (targeted)	None
Ages 3–4 (universal)	15 hrs	10 hrs	1,140 hrs/yr (~30 hrs)	12.5 hrs
Ages 3–4 (working)	30 hrs	30 hrs	1,140 hrs/yr	12.5 hrs
Weeks/year	38 (term-time)	48	Flexible	38

Financial Help

Beyond funded hours, several schemes can reduce your childcare costs.

Tax-Free Childcare (UK-wide)

Government tops up your childcare payments by 25%: you pay £8, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000/year per child, £4,000 for disabled children). Available to working parents earning under £100k across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Apply at gov.uk/tax-free-childcare.

Universal Credit childcare element

UC covers up to 85% of childcare costs: up to £1,032/month for one child or £1,769 for two+ children. You must pay upfront and claim back. The provider must be registered.

Childcare vouchers (legacy)

Closed to new entrants since October 2018, but existing users can continue. Salary sacrifice scheme: save up to £933/year in tax and NI. Cannot use alongside Tax-Free Childcare.

Free school meals entitlement

Children eligible for FSM may qualify for free places at holiday clubs through the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme in England. Check with your LA.

Employer-supported childcare

Some employers offer childcare benefits: on-site nurseries, emergency childcare services, flexible working, or enhanced parental leave. Check your employee handbook.

Childcare Grant (students)

Full-time higher education students can claim up to £199.62/week (1 child) or £342.24/week (2+ children) for registered childcare through Student Finance England (2025-26 rates).

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Common Questions

Sources

This guide draws on DfE childcare entitlements guidance, HMRC Tax-Free Childcare rules, Welsh Government Childcare Offer guidance, Scottish Government 1,140 hours expansion data, Ofsted childcare provider data, Coram Family and Childcare annual survey, and the Childcare Act 2006. This guide is for general information only. Admissions policies, inspection frameworks, and school structures change regularly — always verify current details with the relevant school, local authority, or official body. Last reviewed April 2026.

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Nursery to Reception and beyond

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Parent Guide

Wraparound Care & Childcare

20–25 min readAll UK nationsUpdated April 2026AI-drafted, human-reviewed

Key facts

Working parents in England can claim up to 30 funded childcare hours/week for 3–4-year-olds; Scotland leads with 1,140 free hours/year.
Tax-Free Childcare gives a 25% government top-up — up to £2,000/year per child — and works for breakfast clubs, holiday clubs, and childminders.
All primary schools in England must offer wraparound care (8am–6pm) by September 2026 — but parents will still pay.
Childminder numbers have dropped 40% since 2012, creating "childcare deserts" in many areas.
The HAF programme provides free holiday club places for children eligible for free school meals in England.

Max funded hours/week for working parents (England, 3–4yr)

£2,000

Max Tax-Free Childcare top-up per year per child

1,140

Free hours/year for 3–4yr olds in Scotland

40%

Drop in childminder numbers since 2012

Childcare policy is changing fast

Types of Care

Six main types of childcare, each with different costs, hours, and quality checks.

Breakfast club

Before-school provision, typically 7:30–8:45am. May include food, games, homework time, and supervised activities.

Typical cost

£3–8 per session, or free (many schools now offer free breakfast clubs under government programmes)

Availability

Offered by most primary schools. Less common in secondaries. Some run by external providers on school premises.

Quality checks

If run by the school, covered by the school's Ofsted registration. External providers need their own Ofsted registration.

After-school club

Post-school provision, typically 3:15–6:00pm. Mix of structured activities (sports, arts, homework) and free play.

Typical cost

£5–15 per session. Some schools offer free extracurricular clubs (not the same as formal childcare).

Availability

Most primary schools offer something. Quality and hours vary enormously. Some are school-run, many are external providers.

Quality checks

Must be registered with Ofsted (England) if caring for children under 8 for more than 2 hours. Estyn, Care Inspectorate (Scotland), and HSCT (NI) regulate in their nations.

Holiday club

Full-day provision during school holidays. Typically 8am–6pm. Activities, trips, sports, and arts.

Typical cost

£25–50+ per day. Weekly packages often cheaper (£100–200/week). Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free places for FSM-eligible children in England.

Availability

Run by schools, councils, charities, and private providers. Availability varies hugely by area. Rural areas often have fewer options.

Quality checks

Must be Ofsted-registered if operating for more than 14 days/year (England). Check registration before booking. Look for activity providers that are Ofsted-registered, not just DBS-checked.

Childminder

Registered individual who cares for children in their own home. Can offer before-school, after-school, and holiday care. Often more flexible than clubs.

Typical cost

£4–8 per hour. Can use funded hours (eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds). Tax-Free Childcare and childcare vouchers accepted.

Availability

Declining numbers across the UK — down 40% since 2012. Urban areas have better availability. Childcare.co.uk and local Family Information Services can help find one.

Quality checks

Must be Ofsted-registered (England), Care Inspectorate (Scotland), CIW (Wales), or HSCT (NI). Inspected regularly. Ratios: max 6 under-8s (3 under-5s).

Nursery / pre-school

For children aged 0–5. Full-day or sessional care. Settings include private nurseries, school nursery classes, maintained nurseries, and pre-schools/playgroups.

Typical cost

£50–80+/day full-time (huge regional variation: London averages higher). Funded hours reduce this significantly.

Availability

Generally good in urban areas. Rural "childcare deserts" exist. Waiting lists are common — register early (ideally during pregnancy for popular settings).

Quality checks

Must be registered and inspected. Ofsted (England), CIW (Wales), Care Inspectorate (Scotland), HSCT (NI). Follow the EYFS (England) or equivalent framework.

Au pair / nanny

Private in-home childcare. Nannies are professional carers (some with qualifications). Au pairs are young people from abroad living with the family in exchange for childcare and pocket money.

Typical cost

Nanny: £10–15/hour (£25,000–45,000/year gross for full-time). Au pair: £80–120/week pocket money plus board. Nanny share: split costs with another family.

Availability

Available everywhere but costs limit access. Nanny agencies, childcare.co.uk, and Nanny Tax for payroll management.

Quality checks

Not required to be Ofsted-registered (working in your home). You are the employer — responsible for DBS checks, employment law, insurance, and tax. HMRC requires you to run payroll for nannies.

Funded Hours by Nation

Every nation offers some free childcare hours, but the amount, eligibility, and age ranges differ significantly.

England

Under 2: 15 hours/week for working parents of children aged 9 months+ (from September 2024). Income threshold: each parent earns equivalent of 16 hours/week at minimum wage and <£100k/year.

Age 2: 15 hours/week for all 2-year-olds (universal, from April 2024). Previously only disadvantaged families.

Ages 3–4: 30 hours/week for working parents (extended entitlement). 15 hours/week universal for all. Term-time only (38 weeks) or "stretched" across more weeks at fewer hours.

Wales

Under 2: Flying Start programme: 12.5 hours/week of free childcare for 2-year-olds in eligible areas (expanding). No universal funded hours for under-2s.

Age 2: Flying Start: 12.5 hours/week in eligible postcodes (expanded from 2022). Check with your local authority for eligibility.

Ages 3–4: 10 hours/week Foundation Phase nursery (term-time, ages 3–4). Childcare Offer for Wales: additional 20 hours/week for working parents (30 hours total). Available 48 weeks/year.

The Childcare Offer for Wales provides 30 hours/week for working parents of 3–4-year-olds, 48 weeks/year. This is more generous than England's term-time model.

Scotland

Under 2: No universal funded hours. Some local authority programmes exist. Scottish Government is exploring expansion.

Age 2: Funded 1,140 hours/year (~30 hours/week term-time, or fewer hours stretched over more weeks) for eligible 2-year-olds. Eligibility: low income, care-experienced, or other qualifying criteria.

Ages 3–4: 1,140 hours/year for all 3–4-year-olds (universal). Can be used flexibly across the year. Scotland leads the UK in funded hours for this age group.

Scotland offers the most generous funded provision for 3–4-year-olds in the UK: 1,140 hours/year, equivalent to 30 hours/week for 38 weeks.

Northern Ireland

Under 2: No universal funded hours for under-2s. Sure Start programmes offer support in disadvantaged areas.

Age 2: No universal funded hours for 2-year-olds. Some targeted provision through Sure Start.

Ages 3–4: 12.5 hours/week pre-school education for all (1 year before compulsory school age). Funded places in statutory nurseries, voluntary pre-schools, and private settings.

NI has the least funded childcare in the UK. The 12.5 hours/week for pre-school children is less than half of what's available in Scotland or England.

	England	Wales	Scotland	N. Ireland
Under 2 (working)	15 hrs (from 9m)	None	None	None
Age 2	15 hrs (all)	12.5 hrs (targeted)	1,140 hrs/yr (targeted)	None
Ages 3–4 (universal)	15 hrs	10 hrs	1,140 hrs/yr (~30 hrs)	12.5 hrs
Ages 3–4 (working)	30 hrs	30 hrs	1,140 hrs/yr	12.5 hrs
Weeks/year	38 (term-time)	48	Flexible	38

Financial Help

Beyond funded hours, several schemes can reduce your childcare costs.

Tax-Free Childcare (UK-wide)

Universal Credit childcare element

UC covers up to 85% of childcare costs: up to £1,032/month for one child or £1,769 for two+ children. You must pay upfront and claim back. The provider must be registered.

Childcare vouchers (legacy)

Closed to new entrants since October 2018, but existing users can continue. Salary sacrifice scheme: save up to £933/year in tax and NI. Cannot use alongside Tax-Free Childcare.

Free school meals entitlement

Children eligible for FSM may qualify for free places at holiday clubs through the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme in England. Check with your LA.

Employer-supported childcare

Some employers offer childcare benefits: on-site nurseries, emergency childcare services, flexible working, or enhanced parental leave. Check your employee handbook.

Childcare Grant (students)

Full-time higher education students can claim up to £199.62/week (1 child) or £342.24/week (2+ children) for registered childcare through Student Finance England (2025-26 rates).

Find schools with wraparound care near you

Enter your postcode to explore schools in your area and check their breakfast club and after-school provision.

Search results open with filters matching this guide

Common Questions

Sources

Find schools with the best wraparound care

School Atlas Pro lets you compare schools on breakfast clubs, after-school hours, and Ofsted-registered provision — plus view parent satisfaction data so you can choose with confidence.

See Pro features Search schools

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

Key Stage Transitions

Nursery to Reception and beyond

Catchment Areas & Transport

Free school transport and how catchments work

SEND Rights & Processes

Childcare and early years provision for children with SEND

International Families

Childcare eligibility for families on visas

Find nurseries and schools near you

Search by postcode to compare nurseries, primary schools, and their wraparound care provision.

Search schools Browse all guides