Parents of primary-school-aged children across Staffordshire continue to benefit from more before and after school childcare.
The wraparound childcare programme, funded by the Department for Education, supports parents with tax-free childcare to help them continue to work.
Since launching in 2024, £1.96 million of funding has been allocated to create 2,000 additional places with more than 100 providers, including schools, sports groups and childcare providers. The care is available to eligible parents during term-time.
One school that has led the way with the scheme is St Augustine’s CE Academy in Draycott in the Clay, which is part of the Staffordshire University Academies Trust.
Executive Headteacher Rebecca Walker, who oversees four schools, said:
“Our wraparound childcare is incredibly popular. It’s available from 7.30am until the school gates open at 8.40am, and then again from 3.20pm until 6pm.
“Although wraparound childcare helps families with childcare issues and allows them to continue to work, it’s much more than that. For many parents, it’s about children socialising, developing, enjoying access to different experiences and making friends.
“Before and after school care is one of the first things new parents ask us about and we work incredibly hard to make sure we have places available and that children enjoy them. We have themed nights, like Lego on a Wednesday, games on a Friday and den-building and gardening during the summer months, which children look forward to.”
Alex Hunt, Cabinet Support Member for SEND at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“This is an incredibly important programme that has helped increase the quantity and quality of before and after school childcare right across the county.
“Making sure that every child in Staffordshire has the best possible start in life and that parents have the choice to pursue a career remains our priority.
“Our aim is to make sure that cost-effective childcare from 8am to 6pm will be available at every Staffordshire primary school by September 2026.”
Funding for the programme is available until 2026. Parents eligible for tax-free childcare or universal credit childcare can use that support to help pay for wraparound childcare.
Further information on wraparound childcare can be requested from local schools.
