Tower Hamlets Council has significantly expanded its wraparound childcare provision, creating 913 additional places across the borough. The initiative, funded by the Department for Education, aims to provide parents and carers of primary school-aged children with access to childcare from 8 am to 6 pm by September 2026.
The final phase of the Wraparound Childcare Programme, Phase 6, was approved by the council's Cabinet on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. This phase will further enhance the availability of childcare services, supporting families in balancing work and caring responsibilities. The programme is expected to contribute to increased access to employment and improved labour market participation for parents and carers in Tower Hamlets.
Councillor Faysal Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Life Chances, highlighted the programme's success in strengthening local childcare provision. He stated, This programme forms a key part of the government's child care reforms and supports our commitment to ensuring that families across Tower Hamlets can access high quality affordable child care before and after the school day.
To ensure the quality and safety of the childcare provided, all places are required to be Ofsted registered. Providers must have robust safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures in place. Additionally, enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) and Children's Barred List checks are mandatory for all staff and volunteers working with children. Providers are also required to maintain public liability insurance.
The cost to parents and carers for these wraparound childcare places varies depending on individual family circumstances and provider fee rates. However, families on low incomes can apply for support to fund these places. The funding provided is specifically for expanding provision and is not intended to subsidise costs that parents are expected to cover.
The Wraparound Childcare Programme has transitioned into the new 'School Aged Childcare programme'. Any unspent grant funding from the original programme has been ring-fenced to support this new initiative, ensuring continued childcare provision in the borough going forward. While the specific focus beyond continuing provision is not detailed, the transition signifies an ongoing commitment to supporting families.
This expansion is part of a broader government initiative to reform childcare services, with the programme's success in Phase 6 allocations set to further bolster this vital service. The meeting where Phase 6 was approved was documented in the Public reports pack for the Cabinet meeting on 23rd September 2026, available here.
