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What is wraparound childcare?
Wraparound childcare refers to the hours of childcare that extend before and after regular school or nursery hours. Wraparound childcare can consist of after-school nannies, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs and refers to extended hours of childcare outside of regular hours for both schools and nurseries.
For example, a parent might need wraparound care for their baby or toddler who attends nursery because they work long hours or shift work and cannot get back to the nursery before it closes or would need to drop their child off before nursery opens).
Common features of wraparound childcare may include breakfast clubs before school, after-school clubs, holiday clubs during school breaks, an after-school nanny or part-time nanny and sometimes even evening or weekend care. These programs typically offer a mix of supervised activities such as sports, arts and crafts, homework assistance, and free play, catering to the needs and interests of the children attending.
Wraparound childcare is often favoured by working parents or those with busy schedules who require additional support in caring for their children outside of regular school or nursery hours. It provides a convenient and reliable option for childcare, allowing parents to balance their work commitments with the needs of their children. Additionally, wraparound childcare can contribute to children’s social, emotional, and educational development by offering a structured and supportive environment during out-of-school hours.
Wraparound care is great for: families with school aged children and parents who need to be working after school and/or during school holidays
Rachel’s personal view: “Parents are often surprised by the need to think about wraparound care – it can easily be forgotten in the excitement of children starting school. Also, don’t forget, school terms are only 38 weeks long, so you’ll need to think about holiday cover too. Sorry.”
What is an after school nanny
An after school nanny (or part time nanny) is the most flexible choice of childcare once your child is going to school. As a parent, you are the nanny’s employer—so you can decide whether the nanny takes your children home after school, or to activities, when and where homework is done, and what food is eaten. It’s also a very convenient choice, as by the time you get home, your children are already sorted out for the evening, and often prepared for the next day too.
Nannies offer one-on-one care, so your child can really develop an attachment (that’s a good thing!). Most after-school nannies don’t have as much formal training as a full-time nanny or a childminder — they’re often students working around their timetables or older childcare professionals who want more flexibility with their days.
After-school nannies work in the family’s home, often in the afternoons or a few days per week – and out and about near the home, picking up kids from whatever activities they have going on, taking them to local parks, and so on.
Like full day nannies, after school nannies can look after kids when they’re sick; are paid per hour rather than per child; and can be asked to do additional babysitting including during holidays.
After school nannies are great for: families with school-aged children who want tailored care after school and in holidays
Rachel’s personal view: “After school nannies used to be almost impossible to find – until Koru Kids came long. We’ve made it our business to recruit and train literally thousands of them. Of course I’m massively biased, but I think they’re fab.”
What is an after school nanny
An after school nanny (or part time nanny) is the most flexible choice of childcare once your child is going to school. As a parent, you are the nanny’s employer—so you can decide whether the nanny takes your children home after school, or to activities, when and where homework is done, and what food is eaten. It’s also a very convenient choice, as by the time you get home, your children are already sorted out for the evening, and often prepared for the next day too.
Nannies offer one-on-one care, so your child can really develop an attachment (that’s a good thing!). Most after-school nannies don’t have as much formal training as a full-time nanny or a childminder — they’re often students working around their timetables or older childcare professionals who want more flexibility with their days.
After-school nannies work in the family’s home, often in the afternoons or a few days per week – and out and about near the home, picking up kids from whatever activities they have going on, taking them to local parks, and so on.
Like full day nannies, after school nannies can look after kids when they’re sick; are paid per hour rather than per child; and can be asked to do additional babysitting including during holidays.
After school nannies are great for: families with school-aged children who want tailored care after school and in holidays
Rachel’s personal view: “After school nannies used to be almost impossible to find – until Koru Kids came long. We’ve made it our business to recruit and train literally thousands of them. Of course I’m massively biased, but I think they’re fab.”
What is a breakfast club?
Breakfast club is a before-school childcare option run onsite at the school that starts around 7:30 or 8:00am and runs until just before school starts at approximately 8:50 am. This setup offers parents the handy option of dropping off their little ones at school and still making it back to their workplace by 9:00 am.
During breakfast club sessions, children tuck into a hearty breakfast and take part in supervised activities. Breakfast clubs are organised by the school itself or the school can outsource it to an external company. It provides school-age children with a nourishing meal and structured fun before the school day officially begins.
Activities at breakfast clubs can range from games and artsy crafts to hanging out with friends. Some clubs might even offer a hand with homework or a quiet spot for reading, setting children up for a positive start to the day, whatever their age.
Breakfast clubs are particularly handy for families with jam-packed schedules or parents who need to get to work sooner than school starts. They’re a reliable choice for childcare, making sure kids get a nutritious breakfast and some quality social time before the school day starts.
Breakfast club is great for: Families with school-aged children and parents who need to be working or commuting before about 845am
Rachel’s personal view: “Breakfast clubs are invaluable for so many families, and it’s great that they’re being supported by the government with more funding than ever from 2024”
What is a childminder?
A childminder is a professional childcare provider who offers a nurturing and supportive environment for children in their own home. They have to be registered either directly with Ofsted or an Ofsted-registered agency. They’re closely regulated by Ofsted, either directly or through the agency they’ve joined, ensuring that they meet specific standards for safety, quality of care, and child development. Childminders are legally required to deliver exactly the same curriculum as nurseries do, namely the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Childminder to child ratios are set by Ofsted so, depending on the age ranges, childminders can care for up to six children under the age of 8.
Childminders typically provide care for children in their own home, which feels cosy and familiar where children can feel comfortable and secure. Their home-based setting usually includes dedicated play areas, bedrooms for naps, and outdoor spaces for outdoor play and exploration.
A childminder can offer your child tailored and individualised care because they have small settings, which means activities and routines can be adapted to suit a small number of children.
Many childminders offer flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, making them a convenient option for families with non-traditional work schedules.
Childminders often care for children of various ages simultaneously, creating a family-like environment where siblings can play and learn together. They adapt activities and routines to accommodate different age groups, providing age-appropriate experiences and challenges.
A childminder is great for: families with any age children who want an affordable childcare option
Rachel’s personal view: “Childminders are the ‘jewel’ in the UK childcare system’s crown; flexible, high-quality, relatively affordable. It’s a tragedy that the number of childminders has been in steep decline for over a decade now, due to lack of support from government. If you can find a great childminder near you this can be an excellent option. It’s what I chose for my own first baby!”
Au pair
What is an au pair?
An au pair is usually a young person from another country who comes to live with a host family to provide childcare and light household duties. In exchange for the au pair’s help, the host family gives them a room, food, and a small allowance.
Unlike live-in nannies who are considered professional caregivers and usually work full-time hours, au pairs are usually seen as more of an informal arrangement and may work part-time hours while also studying or exploring the culture of the host country. Often, an au pair is hired to help the children learn another language or culture, different to their own.
Au pairs often assist with tasks such as childcare, preparing meals for the children, light housekeeping, and sometimes helping with school runs or taking the kids to activities. They are expected to become part of the host family and often join in family outings and activities.
Because au pairs are seen as an extension of a family, the children they care for develop strong attachment bonds, which can be really important to child development.
Au pairs used to be a popular choice, but since Brexit and the cost of living affecting the size of many family homes, they’re harder to find.
It’s important to check things like their right to work in the UK, the number of hours they want to work and their expected pay rate while you’re agreeing the specific terms of your arrangement.
Despite the advice on the Home Office website, with recent changes to minimum wage anyone employing an au pair will still have to meet minimum wage expectations even taking into account a live-in allowance.
For example, an au pair working 35 hours a week should earn £145.07 per week if they’re under 21, or £330.47 a week if they’re over 21.
There are a lot fewer au pairs around than there used to be.
An au pair is great for: families with school-aged children who could do with an ‘older sibling’ figure helping out from time to time
Rachel’s personal view: “It’s very sad that the au pair is now a highly endangered species. Just a few years ago, it was common to see French, Italian or Spanish young people picking up kids from school, all involved having a genuine cultural exchange. With rare exceptions, that doesn’t really happen any more. If you do manage to find an au pair who somehow lands a visa, please make sure you pay them properly – this is a part of the industry with a lot of historical stories of exploitation of vulnerable young people.”
