Wraparound Care 101: Tips for Multi-Sports Clubs, Afterschool Clubs, and Breakfast Clubs
Running an afterschool or multi-sports club?
Thinking about offering wraparound care ?
You're not alone. With more parents working or hoping to work full-time and many schools lacking the resources to run extra care themselves, wraparound care is becoming a lifeline for families - and a big opportunity for clubs.
In fact, a recent study found that:
- Almost two-thirds (63%) of UK parents make use of before or after-school childcare at least once a week
- Nearly a third (29%) struggle to access the care they need because the school either doesn't provide it or there are no free spaces
But let's be real: running wraparound care isn't just about keeping kids busy. It means balancing quality with affordability, handling admin, and (most importantly) creating an environment that actually feels good for children.
Here's what great wraparound care providers think about - and what you might want to consider if you're starting or growing your own.
What is wraparound care, exactly?
Wraparound care usually means childcare outside the normal school day - before and after school. Think: breakfast clubs, afterschool activities, and late pickups. It can happen at schools, community centres, or even in family homes - maybe at your neighbour's - anywhere that's safe, familiar, and welcoming. It's not the same as holiday clubs, but a lot of providers do both. If you already run a holiday or multi-sports club, wraparound care might be a natural next step - and very likely something parents will appreciate and children will genuinely enjoy.
Do schools have to offer wraparound care?
Not always. Schools aren't legally required to provide wraparound care themselves, but the UK government has made it clear they want every primary school-aged child to have access to it by 2026.
If both parents are to work full-time, 75% of local authorities say they wouldn't be able to meet the demand. That's a huge gap - and one the government is trying to close. We know that teachers are already at capacity - that's why some schools that can't deliver it in-house choose to partner with local clubs, coaches, or small businesses.
This is where you come in! If you run a club, already know how to engage kids, and have some hours to spare before or after school - you could be the perfect partner.
? Running a HAF-funded club? We've written a full guide to booking systems for HAF programmes and council-funded care. (LINK HERE)
What makes for good quality wraparound care?
Kids are in school all day. The last thing they need is more school. Great wraparound care doesn't just feel like a long extension of the classroom.
It should feel more like home. Some of the best wraparound clubs we've seen mimic a home environment - cosy, calm, with warm food smells, soft lighting, and plenty of time for unstructured play.
Waldorf schools, for example, are known for their warm, homely spaces, a gentle daily rhythm, and emphasis on imaginative free play. Forest schools take it outdoors - offering kids time in nature, hands-on learning, and space to explore at their own pace. Both prioritise a child-centred environment that supports emotional well-being and creativity - something all great wraparound care should aim for.
You don't need fancy equipment or endless resources. A welcoming vibe, consistency, and trusted adults who take kids seriously go a long way.
How do I serve healthy food on a budget?
It's called 'Breakfast Club' - of course food matters! Some school-run breakfast clubs have been criticised for relying too heavily on big-brand sponsorships to make ends meet. The Times article Breakfast clubs in schools 'infiltrated by food industry' revealed this often leads to serving sugary or highly processed options, which creates unhealthy habits.
Good news is - ** offering nutritious food doesn't have to be expensive!** An egg, porridge, or yoghurt and fruit works just right. Something comforting and familiar - not processed.
Do I need to be Ofsted registered?
The answer is - it depends. If you're offering childcare for more than 2 hours a day to children under 8, and it's not just enrichment (like a sports or music club), you probably do. If your care doesn't fit the above criteria - you likely don't need to do anything. Same applies if you plan to operate for no more than 14 days a year. However, since requirements change over time - it's always good to keep an eye out on the official guidance.
That said, some providers choose to register voluntarily - to give themselves the credibility and make it easy for parents to trust them. If wraparound childcare is going to be your core service - just do it!
How do you start with wraparound childcare?
There's no one-size-fits-all setup. Some people run wraparound care solo; others bring in a small team. You might use a spare room in a school, rent a local hall, or set up in a scout hut - somewhere with space to move, play, and feel at ease. Some providers take things outdoors too, using nearby woods or green space for play. Others offer a 'walking school bus' - a healthy and social replacement to the daily commute.
Get inspired by examples from across Europe. Across Scandinavia, outdoor play is the norm - even in freezing temperatures. Children are encouraged to spend time in nature, explore freely, and learn through hands-on experiences, before returning to a warm, cosy base for food and rest. There's even a Swedish saying:
"There's no bad weather, only bad clothes."
And in Denmark, outdoor sessions are formally part of the curriculum through a model called 'udeskole'. Germany too leads the way - with over 1,500 'forest kindergartens'.
A critical thing parents want? Reliability. Most families prefer to book regular sessions - the same days every week - so they can plan work and pick-ups without last-minute stress. But it also helps if you can offer a bit of flexibility when needed.
That's where a booking system like Eequ comes in handy. You can manage weekly bookings, handle childcare payments smoothly, and keep tabs on who's coming and when - without juggling spreadsheets or WhatsApps.
Can I turn my holiday or sports club into wraparound care?
Yes - but it takes some planning. You'll likely need to adjust hours, staffing, and maybe even your activities. A holiday club might run 9am–3pm with sports and games. Wraparound care usually starts at 7:30am or 8am, and picks up again from 3pm until 6pm.
The good news? You're already halfway there. You've got the experience, the equipment, and probably some happy families who'd love to book in.
? Want to explore booking systems for your holiday or multi-sports club? Read our full guide to booking systems. (LINK HERE)
Who's best suited to run wraparound clubs?
Many wonder - do I need to be a teacher? A parent? Super patient? Qualified? Reality is… some of the best wraparound carers aren't teachers at all!
We've seen amazing clubs run by retired grandparents, teaching assistants, youth workers, and artists. The key thing? People who are warm, consistent, and genuinely enjoy being with children. Kids need connection more than instruction. Especially at the start and end of their day.
How can Eequ help you make it happen?
You'll know you're doing something right if kids don't want to leave, and parents feel confident knowing their child is safe and happy.
But wraparound care is more than a business opportunity - it's about raising the next generation. It's about creating spaces where kids feel nurtured, where families feel supported, and where communities grow stronger. And yes, it should work for everyone involved: kids, parents, and you.
To get there, you'll need to get a little creative. Because no two communities (or kids) are the same. That takes heart - and also a lot of admin.
That's where Eequ comes in. We take care of the admin so you can focus on what really matters - building something special.
Setting up on Eequ is fast and simple. You can:
1️⃣ Create your profile and showcase what you offer 2️⃣ List your sessions and add your schedule 3️⃣ Take bookings and payments securely 4️⃣ Go live and share your booking link with families 5️⃣ Manage attendance, chat with parents, and track what's working Whether you're just getting started or scaling up, we'd love to support you - get started today!
?Want to explore booking systems beyond wraparound care? Read our full guide to booking systems for afterschool, sports, and holiday clubs. (LINK HERE)