School age childcare is childcare outside of the school day for school aged children. Many families need childcare before and after the school day and during the school holidays. Childcare not only supports parents and carers in employment and/or training, but provides opportunities for children to play, build friendships, develop life skills and thrive in safe nurturing environments.
There are four main areas of school age childcare; wraparound care, school holiday childcare, the Free Breakfast Offer, and HAF activities.
Wraparound care (before and after school care)
Wraparound care is childcare before and after school, during term time. Normally extending the day from 8am to 6pm. Wraparound care is often provided by the school or by a local childcare provider or childminder with the ability to drop off and pick up from the school. Wraparound care is paid for by the parent/carer. Schools and childcare providers set their own fees, therefore prices will vary. You may be eligible to receive government funding to support with the cost of childcare via Tax Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare.
You can search for wraparound childcare available at your child’s school via our Looking for Childcare page.
School Holiday Childcare
Holiday childcare is childcare provided during the 13 weeks of the school holidays when children are not attending school. It gives parents/carers a safe, supervised place for their children to spend the day whilst they are working. The care may include activities such as arts crafts, sports, games, and outdoor play. The care is normally available for a minimum of 6 hours per day, most being available for up to 10 hours.
Holiday childcare is paid for by the parent/carer and schools/providers set their own fees, therefore prices will vary. You may be eligible to receive government funding to support with the cost of childcare via Tax Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare.
If you would like details of Ofsted registered holiday childcare providers in Hull contact us via fis@hullcc.gov.uk or call 01482 318 318.
Free Breakfast Clubs
Free Breakfast Clubs are the offer to provide a free breakfast at least 30 minutes before the start of the compulsory school day to all school aged children. The programme is to support giving every pupil, regardless of their background, the best start in life. It is a great opportunity for children to enjoy a settling start to the school day. Children can; catch up with friends, meet new friends, play games, enjoy a healthy balanced breakfast, try new foods, and feel ready to learn.
The programme began roll out in April 2025. Schools are gradually invited to join the Free Breakfast Offer via the Department of Education.
If you would like to find out which schools are signed up to the offer select here.
Holiday, Activity and Food Programme (HAF)
The Holiday, Activities and Food programme (HAF) offers free holiday activities and healthy food for eligible children and young people in Hull during the school holidays. The programme is aimed at children in receipt of benefits related free school meals. The sessions provided are a variation of activities across the city from 1 to 4 hour sessions. The programme helps families reduce the worry and cost of activities and food in the school holidays, try new experiences, enjoy healthy nutritious food, learn new skills, gain confidence, make new friends, and spend quality time together.