Explainer: MOD’s Wraparound Childcare Scheme (for Military Families)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) introduced its Wraparound Childcare scheme to support service personnel with their childcare fees. The scheme is intended to provide free access, within specified usage limits, to wraparound childcare for military families.

How it works – the basics

1. Eligibility: The scheme is available to service personnel who have children aged between 4 and 11 attending state-funded education in the UK.

2. Benefit: Eligible families can receive up to 20 hours per week of free wraparound childcare during term time. This can include before-school care, after-school care and full-day care on INSET days.

The role of schools

1. Awareness and promotion: Schools with a significant number of children from military families should actively promote awareness of the MOD Wraparound Childcare scheme. Information sessions, newsletters and parent-teacher meetings can all be effective communication channels.

2. Guidance on the application process: Although schools cannot apply on behalf of parents, they can provide guidance and relevant information to help military families understand the application process and eligibility criteria.

3. Providing proof of costs: Schools may need to provide receipts or other evidence of childcare costs to support families’ claims. Creating standard template documentation can help streamline this process.

Benefits for schools and families

1. Financial support for military families: By helping families access the scheme, schools can support them with childcare costs while helping children receive consistent, high-quality care.

2. Increased access and uptake: The scheme makes wraparound childcare more accessible to military families and may lead to increased use of school-provided childcare services.

3. Enhanced community relations: Schools that accommodate the needs of military families help create a more inclusive and supportive community. This approach can enhance the school’s reputation and strengthen its relationship with the local military community.

Conclusion

By integrating the MOD Wraparound Childcare scheme into their provision, schools can offer invaluable support to military families, increase uptake of their wraparound service and demonstrate a commitment to addressing the particular challenges faced within their school community.

For further support with the scheme, please get in touch with Childcare Bookings for Schools. Our team is experienced in managing the administrative aspects of the MOD Wraparound Childcare Scheme.