Working families in Dorset can now benefit from extended childcare hours, thanks to funding provided by the Department of Education.
Local primary schools as well as registered childcare providers, are offering new or expanded before and after school childcare hours. This is also known as wraparound childcare.
The childcare will include activities such as crafts, sports, games, roleplay, and having fun socialising with friends.
To ensure that as many schools in Dorset as possible take up the offer of providing wraparound childcare, families are being encouraged to share their childcare needs with their child’s school and ask about the wraparound offer.
Schools can deliver services themselves as well as sign-posting families to nearby local childcare providers if they do not offer wraparound childcare.
Families still need to pay for before and after school childcare and anyone who is eligible is advised to use Tax Free Childcare which provides £2 for every £8 you pay. Those on Universal Credit for childcare can claim back up to 85% of the cost.
The wraparound childcare would typically be available at the school from 8am, and after school until 6pm.
Cllr. Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children Services, Education and Skills, said,
“It’s great news that so many families are already benefitting from wraparound childcare, but I feel sure that many more families still have a need and so we encourage families to talk to their schools and childcare providers about their childcare needs before and after school.
“Wraparound childcare plays a crucial role in our community, providing high-quality care and enriching activities to our young residents in a supportive environment and means parents and carers can look for employment and training opportunities knowing their childrenare safe and having fun with friends.”
So far in Dorset, the programme has funded over 40 schools and childcare providers to meet the needs of parents, carers, and children who attend their settings.
This is being funded through Dorset Council by the Department for Education providing set up costs such as equipment and training.
Find out more here about Tax Free Childcare: Tax-Free Childcare – GOV.UK
Find out more here about Universal Credit and childcare: Help paying for childcare: Universal Credit and childcare – GOV.UK
