Building upon the foundation laid by the Department for Education’s (DfE) latest guidance on wraparound childcare, schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) have a unique opportunity to turn compliance into a virtue. In this follow-up blog post, we’ll explore why providing school-run wraparound childcare on-site is not just a responsible choice but a strategic one, offering a myriad of benefits that can enhance both educational and financial outcomes.
Enhancing school budgets
School-run wraparound childcare can represent a lucrative revenue stream if structured effectively. By pricing and staffing their provisions appropriately, schools can generate a healthy surplus, contributing to a stronger budget. Additional revenue can be directed towards additional staffing, improving facilities, investing in educational resources; and ultimately enhancing pupils’ outcomes.
Flexible hours and improved recruitment
Operating on-site wraparound care provides a unique opportunity for schools to offer more flexible working hours for staff. This flexibility can be particularly appealing to teachers and TAs, allowing them to better balance their professional and personal lives. It allows schools/MATs to recruit more effectively and fosters a positive working environment, promoting staff well-being and satisfaction.
Maintaining quality control
One of the significant advantages of school-run wraparound childcare (as opposed to hosting a 3rd party provider) is the ability to retain complete control over quality standards. Schools can tailor programs to align seamlessly with their ethos, ensuring a cohesive experience for students. This level of control fosters accountability and maintains the institution’s commitment to excellence.
Control over equipment & facilities
Similarly to overall quality control, providing wraparound care in-house ensures that a school/MAT retains full control over its equipment and facilities. This autonomy is essential for adapting services to the unique needs of the school community. It also eliminates potential challenges associated with outsourcing, such as agreeing terms on sharing, maintenance and upkeep of facilities/equipment.
Increased time with pupils
Hosting wraparound childcare on-site affords school staff increased time with pupils. This additional interaction contributes to a holistic understanding of students’ needs and enhances the school’s ability to tailor support. This personalised approach can positively impact educational outcomes, fostering a more engaged and successful student body.
Building community kudos
Implementing on-site wraparound childcare is a tangible way for schools to demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of both students and parents. This proactive stance builds trust and respect within the school community, earning kudos for its dedication to providing comprehensive and high quality support beyond the ‘traditional’ school day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DfE’s guidance presents an opportunity for schools and MATs to not only meet their responsibilities but also to elevate their educational and financial standing. Embracing school-run wraparound childcare on-site aligns with the strategic goals outlined in the guidance, providing a win-win scenario that positively impacts school budgets, staff satisfaction, quality control, and community reputation. With £289m of associated funding available via Local Authorities, now is the time for schools and MATs to turn this guidance into a virtue that propels them toward greater success and community acclaim.
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About the Author
Dan McCaffrey is the Managing Director of Childcare Bookings for Schools, the only outsourced payment, bookings and administration service for school-run childcare in the UK. A former primary teacher, he is also the owner of Pioneer Childcare, the 5th largest wraparound provider in the country, where he learned (the hard way!) everything he shares in these blogs. Dan lives in Sussex with his family.
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