Learn about the different types of wraparound childcare provision available and what to know before choosing one for your child.
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What is wraparound provision?
Wraparound childcare is before and after school childcare for primary school aged children in England. This is different from out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.
Types of wraparound provision include:
- Before school childcare - where children can be dropped off before school, usually from 7.30am or 8am. Children will often have breakfast and be able to enjoy play opportunities before the school day starts
- After-school childcare - is a place for children to go after the school day is finished usually from 3pm to 6pm.
Wraparound childcare may be in your child's school, another local school, different premises or with childminders. They provide opportunities for fun activities such as games, sport and crafts activities. Some wraparound childcare may provide computers and allow time for children to do their homework.
You can view directory listings of different wraparound providers in your area on our Find childcare page.
To find providers that offer wraparound childcare services for the school your child attends, visit our Wraparound care search page
Wraparound provision frequently asked questions
We've put together answers to frequently asked questions about wraparound childcare provision.
Go to, Wraparound provision Frequently asked questions
Holiday Schemes
A holiday scheme operates in the school holidays, usually from 8.30am to 6pm, They offer groups of children a range of organised activities, from art and crafts to outings.
Before school childcare
What is before school childcare?
Before school childare is for school aged children and is sometimes called breakfast clubs or kids clubs. They take place before school during the school term time, normally between the hours of 7.30am to the start of the school day.
Many before school childcare settings are based within school premises. Some nurseries, preschools and childminders may also offer before school childcare too. Most before school childcare that is open for more than two hours per day and offers care to children under eight must be registered with Ofsted. Where the before school childcare is run by a school, no additional Ofsted registration is required
Choosing a before school provider
First you will need to obtain a list of registered before school childcare providers in your area.
This is available on our Find childcare page.
Think about what your basic requirements are at this stage, find the childcare providers that are suitable, and contact them to find out if they have any spaces available. Don’t forget to ask about their fees.
Top questions to ask a before school provider
- Is the setting registered with Ofsted?
- How far in advance do you need to book?
- Are any snacks or drinks provided? What are they?
- Do you have a programme of activities for the children?
- What qualifications or training do the staff have?
- How will they contact you in an emergency?
- Is there a parent’s information booklet with details of the policies and procedures of the setting?
- How long has the setting been operating?
There may be other questions you may want to ask take time to think of these before you visit.
After school childcare
What is after school childcare?
After school childcare is for school aged children and is sometimes called kids clubs, after schools clubs or out of school clubs. They take place after school during the school term time, they normally start at the end of the school day up until 6pm.
Many after school childcare settings are based within school premises, but some may be at another local school or different premises. Some nurseries, preschools and childminders may also offer after school childcare too.
Most after school childcare that is open for more than two hours per day and offer care to children under eight must be registered with Ofsted.
Choosing an after school childcare provider
First you will need to obtain a list of registered after school childcare providers in your area.
This is available on our Find childcare page.
Think about what your basic requirements are at this stage, find the childcare providers that are suitable, and contact them to find out if they have any spaces available. Don’t forget to ask about their fees.
Top questions to ask an after school childcare provider
- Is the setting registered with Ofsted?
- How far in advance do you need to book?
- Are any snacks or drinks provided? What are they?
- Do you have a programme of activities for the children?
- What qualifications or training do the staff have?
- How will they contact you in an emergency?
- Is there a parent’s information booklet with details of the policies and procedures of the setting?
- How long has the setting been operating?
There may be other questions you may want to ask take time to think of these before you visit.
Holiday clubs
What is a holiday club?
Holiday clubs are for school aged children and are sometimes called kids clubs. They take place during the school holidays; they normally operate between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
Many after school clubs are school run within the school site, or run by external organisations either on, or away from the school premises. Some nurseries and childminders may also offer care to school age children during the school holidays.
Most Holiday clubs that are open for more than two hours per day and offer care to children under eight must be registered with Ofsted.
Choosing a holiday club
First you will need to obtain a list of registered holiday clubs in your area.
This is available on our Find childcare page.
Think about what your basic requirements are at this stage, find the clubs that are suitable, and contact them to find out if they have any spaces available. Don’t forget to ask about their fees.
Top questions to ask a holiday club
- Is the club registered with Ofsted?
- Do they operate during all school holidays?
- How far in advance do you need to book?
- Are any snacks or drinks provided? What are they?
- Do you have a programme of activities for the children?
- What qualifications or training do the staff have?
- How will they contact you in an emergency?
- Is there a parent’s information booklet with details of the policies and procedures of the club?
- How long has the club been operating?
There may be other questions you may want to ask take time to think of these before you visit.
Contact us
County residents
If you are a County resident and need to speak to an advisor about the different types of childcare available, please contact the Customer Service Centre Nottinghamshire County Council, Contact us
City residents
If you are a City resident and need to speak to an advisor about the different types of childcare available, in Nottingham City, please contact the Families Information Service on telephone: 0115 8765910 or use this form to contact the Nottingham City Council Families Information Service team (opens in new tab)