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Wraparound in schools

Published
Ofsted Registration Requirements for Wraparound Care – if you are thinking of applying for funding or have wraparound care on site.

Most wraparound childcare provision must be registered with Ofsted, as it is regulated under the Childcare Act 2006.
Where wraparound care is delivered directly by a school, it falls under the school’s existing Ofsted registration and does not require a separate registration.

However, where provision is offered by an external provider, they must register on the appropriate Ofsted register, depending on the age of the children:

  • Early Years Register – for children in Reception.
  • Compulsory Childcare Register – for children from the September after their 5th birthday up to age 8.
  • Voluntary Childcare Register – optional for children aged 8 and above.

What This Means for Schools

We wish to ensure that all schools planning to extend or introduce wraparound childcare are fully aware of the Ofsted registration requirements so that any new or expanded provision is compliant, high‑quality, and safe for children.

Please look out for application windows for wraparound funding as we still have grant money available, but you do need to make sure you offer this care in line with the requirements. Current window is open now until 30 March 2026 – please contact the team if you are looking for funding.

Requirement for Providers Funded Through the National Wraparound Childcare Programme

Any school using an external provider funded through the National Wraparound Childcare Programme must be registered with Ofsted on the Early Years Register, as these funded wraparound offers must include Reception‑aged children.
This ensures full compliance with age‑related registration rules and safeguards quality for the youngest children accessing the provision.

What Schools Need to Do

Schools introducing or expanding wraparound care must:

  • Verify that any external provider has the correct and current Ofsted registration, particularly the Early Years Register where Reception children are included.
  • Ensure evidence of the provider’s registration is seen and recorded before allowing them to run wraparound care on the school site.
  • Be confident that the provider meets all regulatory expectations to deliver safe, reliable, and high‑quality childcare.

This helps schools discharge their responsibilities and ensures that families receive compliant and safe wraparound care.