In light of fresh directives unveiled by the Department for Education (DfE) in February 2024 – as part of its wider £289m Wraparound Childcare Pathfinder initiative – both schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) are tasked with increased responsibility in ensuring accessible and high-quality wraparound childcare. This blog post provides a concise exploration of the roles, responsibilities, and support mechanisms outlined in the guidance; which places particular emphasis on the desire for on-site wraparound childcare availability in every school.
The Preferred On-Site Approach
DfE’s latest guidance underscores a clear preference for schools and MATs to host on-site wraparound childcare. This strategic move aligns with the national wraparound childcare pathfinder program and reflects the department’s desire for seamless, school-run provisions; ensuring that parents can access convenient, reliable and high quality wraparound childcare.
Provision and Justifications
The guidance urges schools to prioritise the delivery of on-site wraparound childcare, except in the event of ‘valid justifications’, such as space constraints or facility unsuitability. In cases where on-site provision is unfeasible, collaboration with local authorities is encouraged to guide parents toward suitable alternatives that maintain the integrity of their daily routines. However, the expectation remains that on-site care should be made available wherever there is an absence of ‘valid justifications’.
Support for School-Run Provision
As schools consider the on-site provision of wraparound childcare, it’s crucial to highlight the financial support available to facilitate this endeavour. The Government, as part of the Wraparound Childcare Pathfinder Scheme, has allocated a substantial national budget of £289m to aid schools in implementing and sustaining their own ‘school-run’ wraparound childcare services. Local authorities will play a pivotal role in disbursing these funds, providing crucial start-up capital and removing ongoing financial risk for schools and MATs that are committed to offering on-site solutions.
Government Subsidies and Affordability
To safeguard the long-term sustainability of wraparound childcare, and broaden its accessibility, schools are directed to actively promote government subsidies like Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit. Utilising established communication routes, such as parent newsletters, is highlighted as an essential route to informing parents about eligibility criteria and to facilitate the practical use of these subsidies.
Responding to Community Needs
The guidance underscores transparent responses to requests for wraparound childcare from parents and Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) providers. Schools are expected to manage the ‘Right To Request’ process while actively collaborating with local authorities to identify solutions for unmet demand.
Supporting Local Authorities
Recognising schools as integral community hubs, the guidance highlights their unique position in understanding the needs of families. While local authorities bear the legal responsibility for meeting unmet childcare demand, schools are encouraged to actively support them by responding to requests and providing insights into the demand for wraparound childcare.
Conclusion
The DfE’s latest guidance in relation to the Wraparound Childcare Pathfinder Scheme places a strong emphasis on schools and MATs to integrate on-site, school-run wraparound childcare. By aligning with these directives, educational institutions can significantly contribute to creating an environment where parents confidently access quality wraparound childcare; whilst schools can capitalise on a rare opportunity to generate crucial additional revenue and bolster their budget.
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About the Author
Dan McCaffrey is the Managing Director of Childcare Bookings for Schools. A former primary teacher and previous owner of Pioneer Childcare (the UK's 5th largest wraparound provider), he shares practical insights learned (the hard way!) from the front lines of school-run childcare.
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