The right to request

What if wraparound childcare is not available in my area?

If wraparound childcare is not currently available to you, you can request that your child’s school consider setting up wraparound childcare for your child if they don’t already provide it.

What is the right to request wraparound and holiday childcare?

All parents in England have the right to request that the school their child attends, or is due to attend, consider setting up wraparound or holiday childcare if they do not already have it.

This applies to childcare for children up to the age of 14, or 18 for children with SEND.
The right to request only applies to childcare and does not include activities such as after-school sports clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.

How should you request wraparound and holiday childcare?

You should make your request to your child’s school in writing by letter, email, or through school-run parent surveys. You should tell them the type of childcare you need (wraparound and/or holiday), the age of your child/children, the needs of the child (e.g. the needs of a child with SEND), and when you most need it (e.g. days of the week and times).

What happens after you make a request?

Your child’s school will contact their local authority to make them aware of your request. You should expect to be contacted by the local authority to discuss whether there is already suitable childcare in the local area.

Before making a decision about your request, your school may also need to find out about the childcare needs of other parents.

When will you hear back from your child’s school?

Your child's school will consider your request and let you know their decision within a term.

They should tell you the reason for their decision and any next steps they are taking.

What can you do if your child’s school decides not to set up wraparound or holiday childcare?

If your child’s school decides not to set up wraparound or holiday childcare, they should let you know other local childcare options. This might include putting you in contact with the wraparound lead in your local authority or your local family information service, who will have up-to date information about other available local childcare.