School Aged Childcare

What is school-age childcare? 

School‑age childcare refers to care for primary school age children, out of school hours, including before‑school clubs, free breakfast clubs, after‑school clubs, wraparound care and holiday provision. It plays an important role in supporting families to work, train or study. 

This can be delivered by schools, Private, Voluntary & Independent (PVI) providers or childminders, including through partnership arrangements. Click here for information on different provider types.  

Wraparound childcare is a type of paid for school‑age childcare that ‘wraps around’ around the school day, typically between 8am and 6pm during term time.  

Free Breakfast Clubs are a school-based programme and offer a minimum of 30 minutes of care before the start of the school day, including a breakfast.  Offered during term time only.  The purpose is to ensure children start every day ready to learn, and in turn will improve behaviour, attendance and attainment, whilst offering free childcare for parents. 

This may be run in conjunction with the paid for element of a wraparound offer or before school enrichment clubs, to allow an earlier start to the day. 

Find out more about the rollout of the government’s free breakfast clubs here.  

Before or After School Enrichment Clubs are offered outside of the core school curriculum and planned to broaden pupils’ experiences, develop skills and interests, and support wellbeing and personal development.  These may be free or paid for and are an optional part of the school day.  These may be less frequent and could be a one-off activity.  Offered during term time only. 

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme provides free holiday activities, childcare and meals for children in Reception to year 11 who are eligible for benefits‑related free school meals.  Speak to your school to see if you are eligible and find out more here. 

Holiday Provision is childcare that is paid for during the school holidays.  It could operate for part or the whole duration of the holidays and may allow for flexibility in booking half-days, full days or whole weeks.  This could be offered by a school, private provider or childminder. 

Check out our childcare page to find providers near you.  

How much will it cost and is financial support available? 

Other than HAF provision (which is free), providers will set their own fees for school age places, so prices will vary. Parents and carers will pay their school age 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. 

Tax-Free Childcare 

Tax‑Free Childcare can be used to help pay for Ofsted registered wraparound and holiday childcare. For every £8 a family pays in, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for a disabled child). For example, if a club costs £5, you will pay £4. 

Universal Credit Childcare 

For working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17. Claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs.