Wraparound Childcare expansion programme
The Wraparound Childcare programme was announced in the Spring Budget 2023. The goal was that by 2026, all parents of primary school children who need it would be able to access childcare from 8 am to 6 pm during term time in their local area to help them work and improve job opportunities.
Manchester City Council worked with primary schools and childcare providers across the City in this expansion and by March 2026, over 2,200 wraparound childcare places were created as a result. To find out how to access these additional places, visit the Information for parents and carers.
Manchester City Council set a target to create 1,800 new childcare places.
To achieve this, the Wraparound Childcare team worked with:
- primary schools
- private, voluntary and independent (PVI) childcare providers
- childminders
This work was supported by grant funding from the Department for Education (DfE).
Key highlights (January 2026)
- 2,240 childcare places created
- 70 childcare providers involved
- 79 primary schools have access to the expanded places
- 26 wards across Manchester reached
- 251 places accessed by children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Supporting inclusion
Funding has been used to support children with additional needs in mainstream settings. This includes:
- creating sensory and quiet areas
- purchasing sensory resources
- investing in staff training
What providers say
“More children with additional needs are attending, which has given them more confidence in mixing with other children. Most of them are thriving at home now too.”
What parents say
“The staff are brilliant with my child who has additional needs.”
Impact for parents and carers
The programme is helping families balance work and childcare:
- 42% of parents and carers have been able to start work or increase their working hours
- 43% were already working their maximum hours
- Families are saving money through Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare
- 62% said the programme has had a positive impact
What parents and carers say
- “Having childcare to 6pm is a massive lifesaver.”
- “It enables me to work longer hours and in a higher paid role.”
- “It means we can both stay in work and share the pick-up responsibilities.”
Statistics based on a survey of parents and carers, March 2026.
Impact for children
Children benefit socially and emotionally from attending wraparound childcare:
- “My children have grown in confidence as a result of this club.”
- “I love coming here and playing with my friends.”
- “It’s good and I don’t want to go home.”
- “We like everything!”
Support for childcare providers
Providers have received support to help them expand and sustain their services, including:
- grant funding to grow provision and improve sustainability
- free training on a range of topics
- free marketing materials, including banners
- regular support visits and forums from the Early Years Quality Assurance Team