Tower Hamlets Council has approved plans to create 804 new childcare places across the borough as part of a national initiative to expand wraparound childcare services.

The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Friday, March 27, 2026, where councillors confirmed funding allocations for Phases 4 and 5 of the Wraparound Childcare Programme. This programme aims to provide Ofsted-registered, term-time childcare from 8am to 6pm for primary school-aged children by September 2026.

The Wraparound Childcare Programme is part of national childcare reforms, announced at the 2023 Spring Budget. The broader goal of these reforms is that by September 2026, all parents and carers of primary school-aged children will be able to access Ofsted registered, term time childcare in their local area from 8am-6pm, to support with increased access to employment and improved labour market participation.

A total of £870,538.96 in grants will be awarded to local providers to support the creation and expansion of these places. The initiative is part of national childcare reforms designed to support working parents and enhance the availability of childcare.

Flowchart illustrating the process for application review, eligibility checks, panel assessment, and grant compliance for the Wraparound Childcare Programme.
Flowchart illustrating the application review process.

The Cabinet also noted the methodology used for assessing applications and making funding decisions, which aligns with Department for Education (DfE) requirements. Applications for the Wraparound Childcare Programme were assessed against criteria aligned with national programme expectations. Bids needed to demonstrate that they:

  • Create or expand wraparound childcare places
  • Operate provision from 8am–6pm (or evidence an alternative based on local demand)
  • Offer value for money across staffing, training, resources, and start up costs
  • Address local sufficiency needs
  • Promote accessibility, equality, diversity, inclusion and safety
  • Will be financially self sustaining by September 2026
  • Align resources to children's needs and intended outcomes

Additionally, applications were screened for compliance with national funding criteria, and required supporting documents such as a business plan, financial forecast, scoring matrix, and safeguarding and insurance evidence. The methodology also considered the potential for self-sufficiency by September 2026, even if current take-up was low. The report states that the programme aims to provide Ofsted-registered, term-time childcare . Successful providers must sign a Grant Acceptance Form, and Funded projects are monitored to ensure delivery against the terms of the grant and progress toward sustainability.

The specific providers and the number of places each will create or expand are detailed in restricted appendices within the Public reports pack, which are not publicly available in the provided information.

The programme is expected to strengthen local childcare capacity and improve access for families.