Hundreds of families are being given extra support and reaping the benefits as North Yorkshire Council has provided more childcare to pupils in the county’s schools.

Through the Government’s childcare expansion programme, families now have greater access to wraparound childcare provision before and after the school day. With more than 2,000 new places created since April 2024, this is helping parents and carers in North Yorkshire balance work, training and family life.

Wraparound childcare offers supervised care for children during term time, before and after the school day, typically from 8am until the school day begins and from the end of the school day until 6pm.

North Yorkshire Council has helped schools and childcare providers to grow their breakfast and after‑school clubs, enabling more families to benefit from affordable and reliable care for their children.

The authority’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Whether it’s a quiet space for reading and games, outdoor play or creative activities, this childcare offers children safe, inclusive and supportive surroundings while giving parents the peace of mind and greater flexibility in their working day.

“Our schools are doing an exceptional job and it’s wonderful to see so many families benefitting from the support available.”

Parents and carers in North Yorkshire say the support they have received is giving them greater flexibility, enabling them to return to work, increase their working hours or undertake training, while knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.

Sarah Rogers, whose children attend the breakfast and after-school clubs at Boroughbridge Primary School, said: “The breakfast club and after school club is a fantastic facility and my children always come home happy and full of stories of the fun they have had with their friends.

“I regularly get craft projects and artwork sent home. The clubs provide food for the children and give me the reassurance that my children have been well looked after and fed.

“This takes the pressure off my husband and myself after a long day at work and makes the morning rush that little bit easier as we know they can have breakfast at school if we don’t have time at home.”

The school’s headteacher, Emma Ryan, said: “Our clubs have continued to grow over the years due to the significant growth of our school and the increase in pupil numbers.

“The clubs have been a fantastic support for both our children and families, providing a safe and welcoming environment where children can relax, socialise and enjoy a range of organised activities that help build confidence, teamwork and creativity all whilst having fun with their friends.

“The school has welcomed the support of a grant from North Yorkshire Council which has allowed us to create a new kitchenette and a fully refurbished area accommodating the children who attend.”

Government funding has been allocated to local authorities to support schools and providers in England over two academic years to create or expand childcare provision on either side of the school day, which parents of primary school-aged children are able to pay to access.

The Government’s ambition is that where possible parents and carers of primary school-aged children would be able to access term-time support in their local area usually between 8am and 6pm.

The childcare provision is a paid-for service, but many families may qualify for financial support through Tax Free Childcare. You can find out more at Best Start in Life https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/