The provision of before-school and after-school childcare is becoming increasingly common. Parents are finding schools that provide such care particularly attractive because it allows them to work [or work longer] knowing their children are being cared for by people they trust.

This said, childcare provision may not be possible for some schools; others may simply decide not to provide it at all.

This guidance aims to provide a practical framework in which schools can consider requests for childcare by parents or requests to provide childcare by childcare providers.

It also sets out the process of providing childcare, the common reasons why childcare isn't approved and the features of good practice for schools and childcare providers.