Parents and carers are being asked for their views on wraparound care options at their children’s school. Derby City Council is working with schools to expand their wraparound childcare offer to be able to meet current and future demand.

To help shape how this is done, we’re asking parents and carers of primary school children to complete a short online survey. The survey is also open to parents and carers of children aged 0 to five who may wish to use breakfast or after-school childcare in the future. 

This consultation will help the Council understand the current demand for wraparound care and plan the necessary steps to expand childcare options across the city. The deadline for responses is Sunday 16 February.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

We want to provide the right support for every family in Derby. By understanding where, when and how often childcare is needed before and after the school day, we can support schools to design a programme that meets the needs of parents, carers and children – so please give us your views. Your reply will be anonymous, but we’ll ensure your school hears your voice.

Wraparound childcare refers to childcare that wraps around the conventional school day. It can be run by the school or through a partner in the private or voluntary sector. It doesn’t include school-run activities or clubs that don’t meet the childcare needs of working parents.  

Children who attend wraparound provision are often reported to feel more connected to their school community, which has led to increased attendance and raised levels of motivation, while learning new skills that they can use and apply in school. The opportunities provided by wraparound provision are particularly valuable for children who may be less likely to access the activities elsewhere and for children who may have additional needs. 

The government’s ambition is that that, by September 2026, parents and carers of primary school children will be able to access inclusive term-time childcare from 8am until 6pm, so that they can access employment. Parents will pay for the care, but those eligible for tax-free childcare or universal credit childcare will be able to use that support to help pay for wraparound care.

This is separate to the Government’s new breakfast club initiative, which will fund up to 750 state-funded primary schools to provide children with access to breakfast from April 2025. All pupils in participating schools are to be offered breakfast supplies at no cost to them or their families. Participating schools receive a 75% subsidy for the food and delivery costs of breakfast clubs until July 2025 and schools will contribute 25% of costs. Details of a national roll-out are expected late this year.

Take part in the online survey at Let’s Talk Derby.