Working parents across the Isle of Wight are set to benefit from expanded before and after-school childcare, as the Isle of Wight Council approves Government funding to help increase provision.
A total of £11,490 has been awarded through the Department for Education’s Wraparound Childcare Programme, with 6 grants approved for schools and childcare providers across the Island.
The funding will support expanded wraparound childcare at Wroxall Primary School, Little Acres Childcare Centre, Sundrum Forest CIC, West Wight Nursery and New Carnival Company CIC, with a sixth grant also approved by County Hall.
The Government’s aim is to ensure that, by September 2026, all working parents of primary school-aged children who require wraparound childcare can access provision in their local area between 08:00 and 18:00 during term time.
According to the Isle of Wight Council, the programme is designed to help parents work full-time, increase their working hours or take on more flexible employment by improving access to childcare outside normal school hours.
The council has stressed that parents will still be required to pay for wraparound childcare, as the funding is intended to increase the availability of places rather than subsidise the cost of care.
However, eligible families may be able to receive financial support through Government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare accounts and Universal Credit.
A council officer’s report said expanded wraparound childcare can also benefit children by improving educational outcomes, supporting social development and emotional wellbeing, and providing greater access to extracurricular activities such as sport and the arts.
