When your child starts primary school, you may need childcare for before school and after school. The DfE has introduced the National Wraparound Childcare Programme which aims to support families by providing extended childcare services.
Before school care
Before school care runs in the mornings, before the school day starts. Each school should offer before school care from 8am, but some start earlier. You can check the start time with the school that your child attends.
Some before school care providers offer breakfast for the children attending.
After school care
After school care runs in the afternoons, after the school day finishes, until 6pm. After school care, like before school care, will usually only be for children who attend the school.
Some after school care providers offer snacks and/or a meal for the children attending.
Parents can use Universal Credit childcare support for up to 85% subsidy of their childcare costs. While eligible parents can also use Tax Free Childcare to subsidise costs, covering 20% of costs up to £2k a year (or up to £4k for disabled children).
Want to find out more about wraparound care?
Please visit the Bedford Borough Family Hubs & Children's Centres website to find out more about wraparound care in Bedford Borough.
If you have questions about before and after school care or you would like to book care for your child, please contact your child’s school directly.
Local childminders might also offer wraparound care.