Every School to Have Out of School Club by 2026

Every School to Have Out of School Club by 2026

The wraparound sector has been increasing in prominence. Always a critical part of childcare provision, Out of School clubs have historically been somewhat forgotten about by policy makers. However, with a new team in place at the Department for Education focussing on out of school provision and both main parties pledging additional support, that may be about to change.

The government’s budget has allocated £280 million to fund new provision, paid for by an 11p rise in fuel duty. Totalling around £17,000 per primary school, the intention is that every school will be able to provide a wraparound club by 2026, whether on their own or in partnership with other schools. It is not clear at present how this funding will be accessed by private providers, or what form the government expects clubs to take. 

Labour have also announced a similar policy, however, they have pledged to roll out free clubs for all primary schools. Under the Conservative proposals it is expected that parents will pay fees to support the schools. Funding will be tapered until 2026, a technique known as the ‘pathfinder method’, intended to allow schools to find ways for their clubs to become self-sufficient. 

While the proposal is a welcome boost for the sector, schools have raised concerns, with Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union the NAHT calling the scheme ‘half-baked’. It is of course early days for the proposal and hopefully the three year lead time will allow refinements to be made to ensure its success.