What is school aged childcare?
School aged childcare is before and after school care that wraps around the school day.
School aged childcare providers:
- offer regular, reliable, high-quality play opportunities for school age children, typically from 8am in the morning until 6pm in the afternoon but this may vary to meet local needs.
- typically operate for school age children (Reception to year 6) but may also provide care for nursery class children.
- sometimes also provide holiday care.
- can operate on or off school site.
- include Ofsted registered childminders.
School aged childcare is different from out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.
Check out our childcare page to find providers near you.
How much will it cost and is financial support available?
Providers will set their own fees for school aged places, so prices will vary. Parents and carers will pay their school aged childcare provider directly for their child’s place.
If you are eligible, you will be able to use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare to help pay for your place. You might also be able to get help with your initial upfront childcare costs. Check what support is available to you.
Who is eligible for school aged childcare?
All parents with primary school aged children are eligible to access school aged childcare.
Will this affect the free breakfast club at my child’s school?
No, this will not replace an existing free breakfast club, although an earlier start may be available for a fee. Find out more about the government’s free breakfast club rollout.
How do I find school aged childcare near me?
Parents looking for childcare options for their school age child should speak to their child’s school. If school aged care is unavailable, please contact the team at schoolagechildcare@newcastle.gov.uk.
Parents can also check our Types of Childcare for options and help on how to choose.
Parents should see an increase in the number of school aged childcare places available across the city from September 2025.
