We have been selected as early adopter of a new wraparound childcare programme
Wednesday, 17 April 2024
We have been selected as an ‘early adopter’ of the government’s National Wraparound Childcare Programme, ahead of the national launch in September 2024.
Along with three other local authorities, we will begin expanding the wraparound childcare provision in our area, increasing access to flexible childcare for local working parents as part of a ‘test and learn’ phase to strengthen the delivery of the national rollout.
Before becoming an early adopter, we were one of 16 local authorities selected to co-design the programme, which aims to support families by providing extended childcare services beyond regular school hours, with things like breakfast clubs or after school clubs running until 6pm. The programme will focus on primary school-aged children from reception to year 6, Monday to Friday during term time.
Parents, carers, schools, and private, voluntary, independent organisations and childminders were recently invited to complete a survey, helping us map the current provision across the area and plan for future demand.
Councillor Hayley Whitaker, Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said:
We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this exciting new programme, and delighted to have been selected as an early adopter. By embracing this initiative early on, we are demonstrating our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of families in Central Bedfordshire. This programme aligns with our mission to provide accessible and high-quality childcare services that support children and families in our community.
We will be awarded a share of the £289 million start-up funding to introduce new wraparound care programmes or increase the number of places available at already existing programmes.