Staffordshire schools receive funding boost to expand before and after school childcare

Schools across Staffordshire are set to benefit from funding to expand before and after school childcare to support working parents.

Staffordshire County Council has awarded grants totalling £282,000 to 17 schools in the first phase of a £2M funding programme.

Earlier this year, schools in Staffordshire were invited to apply for a share of the funding to increase the quantity and quality of ‘wraparound’ childcare places.

The money awarded in this first phase will be used to create 300 childcare places and to extend the hours of existing places. 

The funding is part of a move to make sure every school offers wraparound childcare, either ‘in-house’ or in partnership with a childcare provider. 

Schools in Staffordshire are invited to apply for a second round of funding by 31 December 2024. 

They can use the funding to create new or enhanced physical spaces, or to train and equip people and places to offer high quality wraparound childcare. 

Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Staffordshire County Council said: “Many parents told us that reliable, quality, before and after school childcare wasn’t available in their area, making it hard to manage work and family life.

“I’m delighted that 17 schools have already been awarded grants and will create 300 additional places, so that local parents can return to or continue to work. 

“If your school hasn’t applied, it’s not too late, please come forward and apply for a share of the funding.  We want to support you to take the pressure off working parents when it comes to finding childcare they can depend on.”

Bramshall Meadows First School in Uttoxeter were successful in their bid for £25,000 to expand their wraparound childcare service, creating 16 new places and taking on two new members of staff.

Andrea Cairns, head teacher at Bramshall Meadows first school said: “I am delighted to be awarded the cash boost we need to expand our wraparound service.

“As a growing school, our existing before and after school places are in high demand and we often have a waiting list, so the funding couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Parents tell us that our wraparound childcare allows them to balance their work schedule with family life, knowing their children are in a safe, happy environment and engaging in various activities.

“An additional 16 places will enable us to support more parents with childcare, that’s both reliable and high quality.  It will make a huge difference.”

To help parents with the cost of childcare, the government offer a tax-free childcare scheme, which in effect reduces the cost of childcare by 20 per cent.  

Schools should contact Staffordshire County Council by emailing eeac@staffordshire.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion prior to applying.

Pictured from left to right: Andrea Cairns and Mark Sutton