Primary schools should provide access to high-quality childcare, 8am–6pm, five days a week, 48 weeks a year, based on community need.
Childcare services do not need to be provided directly by the school; they can be delivered either under contract with, or by signposting to, third party organisations. The childcare offered does not need to be on a school site, but can be in the local area with appropriate transport provided. All childcare provision needs to be able to demonstrate demand and sustainability. All childcare must be high quality (e.g. Ofsted-registered where eligible) and meet required standards regarding facilities, space and staffing ratios. The childcare offer applies only to full-time pupils in the school and their parents.
Secondary schools should provide – or have arrangements to provide access to – a safe place to be before and after school hours and during holidays, offering access to a varied menu of study support and enrichment activities, including a range of the following:
- “Catch up” and “stretch” activities; homework clubs
- Arts activities e.g. dance, drama, arts, crafts
- Sports activities (at least 2 hours per week for those who want it)
- Other recreational activities, e.g. special interest clubs, music tuition, modern foreign languages, volunteering, business and enterprise activities, visits to museums and galleries.
Schools can signpost to other schools or third parties such as leisure centres, youth clubs or other activities organised by the local authority and voluntary, community and private providers where these activities meet the needs of their young people and are readily accessible.
The childcare element of tax credits can be claimed for regular, supervised, Ofsted-registered childcare and other activities up to age 15 (16 years for disabled children). Schools should make sure parents (particularly those on low incomes) are aware of this and encourage them to apply for assistance to meet any charges.
Where such activities and childcare are provided directly by, or under contract to, the school (and are therefore exempt from registration on the Ofsted Childcare Register or Voluntary Childcare Register), parents can still claim tax credits by using the school Ofsted number.
Sign post parents and others to Families Information Service (Free phone: 08000 234440) for advice and guidance.