Unveiling the National Wraparound Childcare Programme Funding: A Comprehensive Guide for School and MAT Leaders (Feb-24)

Funding Stream 1:
Local Authority Capacity Funding (£25m)

Local Authorities in England have been allocated ‘Capacity Funding’ of £25 million over two years to facilitate the programme. This investment aims to enhance the internal capacity of LAs to deliver programme objectives effectively; for example, by funding the recruitment of designated staff member(s) to manage the programme locally.

Funding Stream 2:
Programme Funding (£253 million)

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

The bulk of the funding lies in the £253 million allocated to ‘Programme Funding’. This substantial amount is dedicated to accomplishing the programme’s primary objective of fostering the creation and expansion of wraparound care provision.

Local Authorities in England have already been allocated their share of this Programme Funding by the DfE. Amounts allocated to each LA are outlined, in full, in our table below.

What should potential applicants consider about the allocation methodology?

Any schools or MATs hoping to access funding via the National Wraparound Childcare Programme should consider the DfE’s intentions when allocating funding to LAs; alongside recognising the primary aims of the scheme.

The DfE’s published methodology explains that each LA’s specific funding amount was determined by school census data filed in January 2023. Consideration was given to the number of schools not already (or only partially) offering wraparound childcare; in recognition of the costs associated with creating this supply (with specific reference to staffing, food and suitable SEND provision).

When and how will the funding be given out?

Schools or MATs hoping to access funding should do so via their relevant Local Authority. It is likely that the application process will differ between LAs, with any detailed information about this unavailable at the time of writing.

We do know that the distribution of Programme Funding will be based on a ‘tapering schedule’, with a focus on providing more substantial support to wraparound care provision in its early stages. The DfE’s intention is that – as attendance increases – the fees charged for the wraparound care will gradually replace the initial programme funding (as the provision becomes self-sustaining).

The full tapering schedule for Programme Funding is shown below. A 0% taper implies that provision can be fully funded, with a 5% taper denoting a 95% funding level, and so on.

How much funding is available in each Local Authority area?

A full breakdown of the funding allocated to each local authority in England is provided below.

What steps should schools and MATs take now?

If you work at a school or MAT that is currently considering the National Wraparound Childcare Programme, or if you have already decided to apply for funding, please do get in touch with us to understand how Childcare Bookings for Schools can support your plans.

Our service allows schools and MATs to outsource all of the booking, payment and financial admin associated with wraparound childcare – for free – meaning the community’s needs are met without any negative impact on the school office or budget. Our industry expertise and suite of template resources means we are well equipped to support both new and established provisions.