The core offer requires all primary and special schools to offer access to high-quality, Ofsted-registered childcare from 8am to 6pm (depending on demand), five days a week, 48 weeks a year. Secondary schools do not have to offer formal childcare, although some choose to do so to support families or enable parents to use other extended services.
Secondary schools should ensure that their before- and after-school activities provide a 'safe, supervised place' for children and young people, and that Criminal Records Bureau and health and safety checks have been carried out on staff supervising the activities.
Schools should charge for childcare and parents should be able to claim the fees back through the childcare element of the working tax credit. Schools should give special consideration to vulnerable pupils and those from disadvantaged families to ensure they can access services. Likewise, secondary schools can charge for providing safe, supervised activities.
Delivering childcare
Schools can provide childcare services in a number of ways, including by:
- employing staff to deliver services on site
- working with other schools to share resources, for example by setting up a rota system for childcare provision, and
- signposting to existing services offered by private or voluntary sector organisations.
Schools will need to assess existing childcare provision and consult parents and carers, pupils, staff and the local community about their needs before deciding which approach to take. Working with other schools or third-party organisations enable schools to tap into existing expertise and significantly reduce workload. However, where childcare services are being delivered off site, schools may need to provide transport depending on levels of demand.
Why offer childcare?
High-quality childcare creates a safe and stimulating environment that can boost children’s learning as well as increasing their confidence and helping them develop better social skills. It can also give parents the freedom to work, study or take part in parenting classes. For schools, childcare can be a valuable source of additional income.
