Council creates over 1,000 new wraparound childcare places in Central Bedfordshire
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Central Bedfordshire Council has created over 1,000 extra places at wraparound childcare clubs, giving more families access to before and after school support.
Over the past 18 months, the Council has helped 12 schools set up brand‑new childcare clubs, supported 16 schools to offer longer opening hours, and worked with 17 schools to increase the number of places they can offer. As a result, 1,111 more children can take part in fun activities and spend time with friends outside normal school hours.
The National Wraparound Childcare Programme 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.
Through the programme, the Department for Education (DfE) provides funding to local authorities to develop new, or expand existing, wraparound services. In 2024, Central Bedfordshire Council was selected as an ‘early adopter’ of the programme, and was one of 16 local authorities selected to co-design it.
Wraparound childcare is a paid provision, but households eligible for Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare can use the support to help pay for wraparound care.
With support from the Council and funding from the programme, Beecroft Academy in Dunstable has been able to extend the operating hours of its breakfast club, which now starts at 7:30am instead of 8am. Headteacher Sarah Hughes said:
We trialled the earlier start in the autumn term and it was so successful that we’ve kept it going. Parents had told us that an 8am start simply wasn’t early enough for those needing to get to work, so extending the hours has taken a lot of stress off families.
We welcome around 24 children each day, who can have breakfast without families worrying about the time to prepare it or the cost of providing it. Children begin the day in a much calmer way, as that extra time in the morning helps them settle, regulate and get ready for learning. The extended hours have made a huge difference to families, and we’re pleased to be able to offer it.
Cllr Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
Wraparound childcare is vital in helping families manage work, education and home life. It helps parents and carers work the hours they need to, take on new job opportunities, or continue their own training or education, knowing their children are somewhere safe and well looked after.
Children also have the opportunity to play, try new activities, build their confidence and spend time with friends in a relaxed environment before and after school.
We’re proud to be working with schools and providers across Central Bedfordshire to expand the programme and create more places to support families and give children a positive start or end to their school day.