Wraparound Childcare Reaches Target: 8am–6pm Care Now Available at Most Primary Schools

The wraparound childcare expansion programme, announced in the Spring Budget 2023, has reached its target as of September 2026. Local authorities across England have now rolled out childcare provision from 8am to 6pm during term time, allowing working parents to access continuous care around the school day.

What the Expansion Covers

• Term-time childcare (term weeks only, not holidays)
• Available at or near primary schools in most local areas
• Designed to complement the 30-hour government-funded entitlement for younger children (9 months to school age)
• Supported by £289 million in government funding plus £100 million in capital grants for infrastructure

The programme is part of a broader childcare expansion that has fundamentally reshaped early years support. From September 2025, eligible working parents can now access 30 hours per week of government-funded childcare from when their child is nine months old — a significant shift from the previous 15-hour entitlement available only from age three.

What This Means for Newcomer Families

If you're relocating to the UK with young children and planning to work, you should explore both the 30-hour early years entitlement (for children under school age) and the wraparound childcare scheme (for primary-aged children). To qualify for the 30-hour entitlement, you and your partner (if applicable) must each expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Living Wage. Most local authorities have dedicated early years teams that can advise on eligibility and help you find a childcare provider — apply 2–3 months in advance as popular settings fill quickly.

Sources

• House of Commons Library — Expanding government-funded childcare in England
• Manchester City Council — Wraparound Childcare expansion programme
• Somerset Council — Early Years Entitlement Expansion and Wraparound Care