More Wraparound Childcare Places To Be Created Across Isle Of Wight

More before and after-school childcare places are set to be created across the Isle of Wight, helping working parents access support around the school day.

The Isle of Wight Council has approved almost £11,500 in funding for six projects aimed at expanding wraparound childcare provision across the Island.

The grants, provided through the Department for Education’s Wraparound Childcare programme, will support schools and organisations including Wroxall Primary School, Little Acres Childcare Centre and Sundrum Forest CIC.

Funding will also go towards projects run by West Wight Nursery and New Carnival Company CIC.

The programme aims to ensure that, by September 2026, working parents of primary school children who need childcare can access local provision running between 8am and 6pm during term time.

The council says the scheme is designed to help parents work full-time, increase their hours or take on more flexible employment as part of the Government’s wider plans to support economic growth.

However, the funding does not mean childcare will become free.

The council says parents will still need to pay for the service, as the programme is focused on increasing availability rather than subsidising costs.

Eligible families may be able to access financial support through schemes including Tax-Free Childcare accounts and Universal Credit.

A council report highlighted that wraparound childcare can also benefit children by supporting their education, social development and emotional wellbeing, while giving them opportunities to take part in activities such as sport and the arts outside normal school hours.

The council says expanding provision will help create more options for Island families who need childcare to fit around their working lives.