Why this role matters
Wraparound and holiday childcare gives children a safe and fun place to be before school, after school, and during the holidays.
You help children relax, play, learn new skills and enjoy their time outside of the school day. You also make life easier for families who need childcare so they can work, study or manage busy routines.
These settings help children build important skills like:
- Communication
- Confidence
- Social skills
- Emotional wellbeing
Many employers offer flexible hours, such as part time term time work or full time holiday roles. Some may offer free or reduced childcare for your own children, making it a family friendly career.
Working in this sector is rewarding—you get to support children and help them thrive every day.
Where you could work
You can work in many different wraparound settings, such as:
- Breakfast clubs
- After school clubs
- Holiday clubs
These may be based in:
- Schools
- Nurseries
- Childminding settings
They might be run by schools, charities, private providers or childminders. Some clubs are small and informal; others are part of larger organisations.
Working patterns vary too:
- Term time only
- Full day shifts
- Holiday only work
Some roles can be combined with other school day jobs, like lunchtime supervisor or teaching assistant roles, giving you more consistent hours.
This is a great job if you enjoy working with school aged children in a relaxed and playful environment.
What you will be doing
In wraparound and holiday settings, your role might include:
- Planning and setting up safe play and activity areas
- Leading games, sports, creative or outdoor play
- Supporting snack and mealtime routines
- Helping children settle before or after school
- Building positive relationships with children and families
- Assisting with themed sessions and holiday club planning
You will work with children in relaxed, informal settings that encourage creativity, movement and social interaction.
Roles in Wraparound and holiday childcare settings
Playworker / Wraparound Assistant
- Support children before/after school or during holidays
- Set up play areas and lead activities
- Build relationships with children and families
- No formal qualifications needed, but DBS and safeguarding training are essential
- Apprenticeships are available
Club Supervisor / Session Leader
- Lead a breakfast, after school or holiday session
- Plan activities and routines
- Supervise staff or volunteers
- Usually requires experience and a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification
Holiday Club Coordinator
- Organise and run holiday programmes
- Plan themed sessions, trips and enrichment activities
- May need leadership experience and knowledge of safeguarding and health and safety
Childminder Offering Wraparound Care
- Provide before/after school care in a home setting
- Often work with younger children too
- Must be Ofsted registered if caring for under 8s for more than two hours a day
Apprenticeship pathways
If you are new to the sector or looking to build your skills, the Level 2 Playworker Apprenticeship is a great way to get started.
- Train while working in breakfast clubs, after-school care or holiday clubs
- No formal qualifications needed
- DBS check and safeguarding training required
- Learn how to lead games, supervise play zones and support children’s development
Benefits of choosing this career
- A range of working patterns may be available, including term time roles, holiday provision and jobs that can be combined with other school day based roles
- A chance to support children’s wellbeing and development through play and positive relationships
- Pathways to progress into early years, playwork, education or leadership roles
- Bring your own interests, like sports, art or nature, into your work
- Some settings may offer support with childcare for your own children while you work
Get started in your job search
If you are interested in working in wraparound or holiday childcare, there are a few ways to get started:
- Search online job boards via search engines
- Look on social media where some providers may advertise roles
- Speak directly to schools and childcare providers in your area
- Check with local nurseries, clubs or community venues offering wraparound care