Blackburn with Darwen Council has been entrusted with a substantial grant of £1.7 million to embark on the development of a comprehensive ‘Wrap Around Childcare Programme’ across the borough. This significant funding, distributed over a three-year period, signifies a concerted effort as part of a national endeavor to bolster childcare services and support families within the community.
The financial allocation breakdown entails £15,292 for the remaining months of 2023/24, £943,478 for the fiscal year 2024/25, and £441,582 for the subsequent year, 2025/26. This substantial grant is specifically designated to facilitate the removal of obstacles hindering the establishment of new childcare facilities or expanding existing ones. It aims to mitigate the financial risks associated with setting up new provisions, particularly in instances where demand is not guaranteed.
Operating on a ‘pump prime’ model, this funding mechanism involves the strategic infusion of relatively modest amounts of government funds to stimulate growth and catalyze the development of childcare infrastructure. In addition to the program delivery funding, Blackburn with Darwen Council has also secured capital funding amounting to £335,264. This capital grant is earmarked for the execution of both the Wrap Around Pathfinder Programme and the Early Years Expanded Entitlement Programme. Specifically, these funds will be allocated towards capital projects necessitated by the need to enhance and expand childcare provisions. However, it’s important to note that these capital grants are intended for smaller-scale adaptations rather than larger-scale extensions or new construction projects.
The Wrap Around Childcare Programme encompasses various forms of provision, including breakfast and after-school clubs, with the overarching goal of offering childcare services that seamlessly integrate with the conventional school day. Moreover, the program extends its reach to cover school holiday periods, ensuring continuity and consistency in childcare offerings throughout the year.
In a report presented to the authority’s executive board by Children’s Services boss Cllr Julie Gunn, the council’s proposed strategies for program development are outlined comprehensively. The report underscores the pivotal role of wraparound childcare in supporting working parents by providing regular, extended hours of childcare that align with their professional commitments. The primary objective of the Wrap Around Childcare Programme is to enhance parent/carer access to the labor market by augmenting the availability and uptake of wraparound childcare places for primary-aged children between 8 am and 6 pm.
Central to the program’s delivery strategy is the active involvement of schools, which serve as focal points within the community and possess an intimate understanding of local family dynamics and needs. Schools will be pivotal in spearheading the delivery of the program, leveraging their existing infrastructure and resources to expand and enhance wraparound childcare provisions. Expressions of interest will be solicited from schools to participate in delivering wraparound provision, encompassing both before and after-school care, as well as opportunities to expand existing offerings.
In essence, the Wrap Around Childcare Programme represents a concerted effort by Blackburn with Darwen Council to address the evolving childcare needs of the community, ensuring accessibility, reliability, and continuity in childcare services for families across the borough. Through strategic allocation of resources and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders, the council endeavors to create a supportive childcare ecosystem that empowers working parents and fosters the holistic development of children within the community.