Children and families

School-age childcare places

School-age childcare is for primary-school-aged children before and after the school day during term time, and during school holidays.

What is school-age childcare?

School-age childcare should offer the following provision:

  • Before-school care: This should start no later than 8am. As part of the Free Breakfast Club (FBC) Programme, 30 minutes of this may be free.
  • After-school care: This should run until at least 6pm. Alternatively, it should provide a full before and after-school service which meets the needs of those who use it.
  • Holiday childcare: Run in the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. If this provision is part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for children on benefits-related free school meals, it should focus on providing healthy meals, daily physical activity and enrichment activities such as sports, arts and life skills. 

The government's vision

The Department for Education’s vision for school-age childcare is to develop provision that offers:

  • Accessible, sustainable and inclusive year-round childcare support for all families.
  • High-quality childcare that improves attendance, behaviour, parental engagement, and staff recruitment in schools.

In addition, schools involved in the FBC and HAF programmes, either directly or through signposting, should aim to reduce barriers to work, boost children’s wellbeing and support academic success.

How much do places cost?

Childcare providers set their own fees, so prices vary.

If you are eligible, you will be able to use Tax-Free Childcare (beststartinlife.gov.uk) or Universal Credit Childcare (beststartinlife.gov.uk) to help pay for a place.

Check if you are entitled to help with childcare (beststartinlife.gov.uk) 

If your child is aged four or under, please find out more about free childcare options and allowances below:

How do I find school-age places?

Schools, private, voluntary and independent providers, including childminders and early years settings in Liverpool, can all offer places. Ask your local provider or use the search below.

Search for a school-age place on Liverpool’s FSID

Further information