School-age childcare guidance and resources

School-age childcare includes wraparound childcare, free breakfast clubs and holiday provision, including the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. These services support working parents and children's wellbeing. 

This page brings together guidance and resources for providers, schools and partners delivering school-age childcare.

On this page

National guidance and resources

The resources below provide guidance on delivering school-age childcare, including roles, responsibilities, quality and inclusion.

Wraparound childcare

Wraparound childcare offers caring and reliable support for primary-age children before and after the school day. 

Provision is usually available from 8am to 6pm on school days where families need it.

The focus is on high-quality childcare that helps parents balance work and family life. It is not simply a programme of extra-curricular activities.

Wraparound care can be provided by schools, childcare providers, childminders or community organisations, with some services delivered through partnerships. 

There is no single model for delivery. Provision is flexible and reflects the needs of local children and families.

Wraparound childcare plays an important role in supporting children and families beyond the school day.

The resources below support providers, schools and partners to develop high-quality, inclusive and sustainable provision. They cover areas such as workforce development, SEND inclusion, partnership working and service sustainability.

Free breakfast clubs

Free breakfast clubs have been introduced by the Department for Education (DfE). They provide a 30-minute session before school where children receive a free, nutritious breakfast.

They help children start the day ready to learn. They also help ensure that no child begins the school day hungry.

Breakfast clubs give children time to socialise and take part in activities such as reading and crafts. This supports wellbeing and positive routines.

For parents, free breakfast clubs provide additional childcare at the start of the school day at no extra cost.

Children can be dropped off up to 30 minutes before the start of the school day. This can help parents get to work on time and make morning routines easier.

The programme could give families up to 95 hours back each year. It could also save working parents up to £450 annually.

Find out more about the free breakfast club programme:

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education. It supports the wellbeing of children and young people aged 5 to 16 during school holidays.

Local activity providers deliver face-to-face activities that support physical and mental wellbeing.

Places are fully funded for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals, although most holiday clubs also offer paid places.

Each session includes a meal. This may be breakfast or lunch, depending on the programme offered.

The programme aims to:

  • support children to eat healthily
  • support children to stay active during school holidays
  • support children in their understanding of health and nutrition
  • support families to be engaged with local support services. 

Providing HAF activities

If you provide holiday clubs or school-age childcare and are interested in delivering activities through Nottinghamshire's HAF programme, you will need to complete an online application.

For more information, visit the Nottinghamshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.