How to find and register for wraparound care at your school

For many families, the school day doesn’t always match up with the working day. That’s where wraparound care comes in. From early drop-offs before class to after school care that runs until the evening, these clubs give children a safe, fun space to spend time while giving parents peace of mind.

At Premier Education, we work with hundreds of schools across the UK to deliver high-quality wraparound childcare. Whether you’re looking for after school programmes, breakfast clubs, or both, this guide will explain what wraparound care is, how to find out if your school offers it, and how to register.

Key takeaways:

What is wraparound care?

Wraparound care is childcare that “wraps around” the normal school day. It usually includes early breakfast clubs before school starts and after-school clubs running until late afternoon or evening.

This isn’t just childcare, it’s time well spent. The best after-school programmes combine fun, friendship, and physical activity. At Premier Education, children might take part in games, creative sessions, or sports led by trained coaches. You can get a taste of what’s included in our after-school clubs and breakfast clubs blog, where we share real examples of what children get up to.

Why parents choose wraparound care

For parents, wraparound childcare is about more than convenience. It’s about knowing your child is safe, happy, and thriving after the school bell rings.

It provides peace of mind, knowing your child is in an Ofsted-registered environment. There’s consistency, especially when the same trusted provider that delivers PE lessons or holiday clubs also runs your school’s wraparound care. And above all, there’s happiness – children come home energised, confident, and full of stories about their afternoon.

Wraparound care gives children the space to move, play, and thrive. Regular activity supports their physical and emotional well-being.

How to find out if your school offers wraparound care

1. Check your school’s website
Most schools list wraparound care details under “Parents” or “Clubs & Activities.” Look for headings like Before and After School Care or Wraparound Childcare.

2. Ask the school office
If you can’t find details online, the school office will confirm whether wraparound care is available and who provides it. Many schools partner with Premier Education to run their clubs.

3. Search on the Premier Education portal
You can also search directly through the Premier Education website by entering your school name or postcode. This will show you whether wraparound care or other activities are available nearby.

How to register for wraparound care

Once you’ve found your school, registering is simple:

1. Choose your sessions – breakfast, after-school, or both.
2. Create your secure parent account.
3. Select your payment method – debit card, Tax-Free Childcare, or existing childcare vouchers.
4. Confirm your booking and check your inbox for a confirmation email.

If you’re new to funding support, our guide on Tax-Free Childcare and vouchers explains how you can save up to 20% on wraparound costs each year.

How much does wraparound care cost?

The cost depends on your location, school, and session length. Breakfast clubs tend to be cheaper since they run for a shorter time, while after-school sessions include extra activities and sometimes a light snack.

Many Premier clubs accept both Tax-Free Childcare and childcare vouchers, helping families make wraparound care more affordable. If you’d like to learn more about the funding options available, check out our article on how government funding for wraparound care work.

What if wraparound childcare is not available in my area?

If your school doesn’t yet offer wraparound care, there are still great alternatives.

You can keep your child active and engaged through our before and after school clubs during term time, or our holiday clubs that run across the UK during school breaks.

You could also ask your school if they’d consider starting wraparound care. If enough parents express interest, schools often explore partnerships with providers like Premier Education.

Some wraparound programmes also accept children from nearby schools, so it’s worth checking local listings on our website.