£1.3 million boost to expand wraparound childcare

Newcastle City Council is delighted to be part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) National Wraparound Programme.
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This programme brings over £1.3 million of DfE funding into the city to create wraparound care (8am – 6pm) linked to every primary school in the city.

The funding, which runs until March 2026, is designed to support schools/childcare providers in creating new provision or to expand and enhance their current capacity and facilities to deliver high-quality care tailored to the needs of local families. Wraparound provision can support parents and carers to take up work and training, and in many cases, families will be entitled to claim funding to support them with childcare costs. 

Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Newcastle City Council, said: “This funding is essential for working families in Newcastle and aligns with our commitment to improving health and educational outcomes, particularly for those on low incomes. By increasing access to affordable, high-quality childcare, we are empowering parents to pursue work or training opportunities, while also helping eligible families access additional childcare funding.” 

This new initiative is designed to provide high-quality, affordable care that wraps around the school day and gives parents greater flexibility and support.

The programme builds on the success of extended early years entitlements, ensuring families who have benefitted from childcare support for children as young as nine months can continue to access these vital services as their children move into school. 

The programme is a significant step forward in supporting Newcastle’s families, providing them with tailored services designed to meet their needs.