As we look ahead to the next academic year, it becomes evident that significant changes are on the horizon.
In 2023, the government announced the National Wraparound Childcare (NWC) Programme with ambitious goals of offering term-time childcare for all parents from 8 am until 6 pm by 2026.
This programme marks a pivotal movement in the landscape of childcare provision to address the evolving needs of families, supporting working parents; disadvantaged households and managing provision for pupils with additional needs.
In light of the forthcoming implementation of the NWC Programme, now is an opportunity for primary schools to start thinking about how they can implement wrap-around care.
There are many options when it comes to organising before and after-school clubs. A common option is utilising your own teaching and admin staff to organise and deliver these clubs. However, time, absences and costs can build barriers to the success and longevity of these clubs. Utilising outside providers is a convenient, time-saving way to provide wrap-around care.
Why should you be looking at outside, specialist providers to run your wrap-around care?
Accessibility
A priority of the NWC Programme is ensuring wrap-around care is accessible to all parents and every pupil has an opportunity to participate in a club. Staff availability and time prevent many schools from offering wraparound care daily. However, by partnering with external providers, your school can leverage the expertise of dedicated operation teams to streamline the administration and management of the clubs.
Ensuring affordability is integral to enhancing accessibility to wrap-around care services. At LSC, we recognise the importance of making childcare accessible to all families. That’s why our clubs offer competitive rates and accept payments through tax-free childcare vouchers and pupil premium. By prioritising affordability, we aim to promote inclusivity and equitable access to these extracurricular opportunities.
Quality
Wrap-around care provides an opportunity for pupils to participate in inspiring and engaging extra-curricular activities that they want to attend. It should not be an extension of the school day and allow children to enjoy enriching activities outside of the curriculum.
Utilising specialist providers, such as LSC, ensures a high level of quality. Delivery staff are fully trained and hold essential checks such as enhanced DBS and safeguard training. Furthermore, they are specialists and live and breathe their subject. Whether it’s a music club or sports club, pupils will take part in fun, engaging activities with high-quality, age-appropriate resources.
Our in-house team of Quality Assurance experts work with our practitioners and your school to ensure quality is continually maintained. Similarly, we cover our own staff absences to ensure your pupils never miss out.
The government’s introduction of the National Wraparound Childcare Programme signifies a pivotal step towards addressing the diverse needs of families. With the imminent implementation of the NWC Programme, primary schools are presented with a unique opportunity to reassess their approach to wrap-around care.
Looking for wrap-around care provision in your school?
LSC has worked with over 100 primary schools across the United Kingdom, providing high-quality wrap-around care opportunities.
If you want to learn more about how we can work with you and your school, reach out to our School Partnership Team to discover our different provision packages that best align with your primary school.
