Right to request holiday and wrapround childcare

Find out how to request holiday and wraparound childcare at your child's school.

All parents in England have the right to ask their child’s school to consider setting up before- and after-school care (wraparound childcare) or holiday childcare if it is not already available.

This applies to childcare for children up to the age of 14, or 18 for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). 

The right to request only applies to childcare and does not include activities such as after-school sports clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity. 

How should you request wraparound and holiday childcare?

You should make your request to your child’s school in writing by letter, email, or through school-run parent surveys. 

You should tell them:

  • the type of childcare you need (wraparound and/or holiday care) 
  • the age of your child/children 
  • the needs of your child/children (e.g. the needs of a child with SEND) 
  • when you most need care (e.g. days of the week and times)

What happens after you make a request?

Your child’s school will contact the Council to make us aware of your request. We will then contact you to discuss whether there is already suitable childcare in the local area. 

Before making a decision about your request, your school may also need to find out about the childcare needs of other parents. 

When will you hear back from your child’s school?

Your child’s school will consider your request and let you know their decision within a term. 

They should tell you the reason for their decision and any next steps they are taking.

What can you do if your child’s school decides not to set up wraparound or holiday childcare?

If your child’s school decides not to set up wraparound or holiday childcare, they should let you know other local childcare options. This might include putting you in contact with your local family information service, who will have up-to date information about available local childcare. 

Where can I find a list of local childcare providers?

You can search the Solihull Family Information Directory for all Ofsted registered childcare providers in Solihull offering:

  • wrapround care 
  • holiday care 
  • before- and after-school clubs

Search for wraparound and holiday childcare