Welcome to Wraparound Childcare

This space is for professionals to access information on wraparound childcare in Darlington. There are lots of helpful resources and websites to access and utilise, as well as useful contacts to provide advice and support.

If you are a parent or carer,
please visit Darlington Borough Council - Early Years & Childcare [external link]

Wraparound Childcare

Wraparound childcare is before and after school care for primary school aged children in England during term time. The childcare should be available every day outside of regular school hours and is aimed at helping parents access more childcare and work the hours they want to. This is different from out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less frequent and can be a one-off activity.

You can learn more about wraparound childcare in Darlington by listening to the Wraparound Project Podcast below.

Wraparound Network

Did you know we have a Wraparound Network?

This network provides a valuable opportunity for staff who lead and support wraparound provision to meet and share good practice.

Save the date for the next network

Thursday 5th November from 10 -11am via Microsoft Teams.
To receive the teams link or for more information, contact claire.allred@darlington.gov.uk 

Inclusive Practice in Wraparound Childcare

These short, recorded sessions were produced by Nasen on behalf of Childcare Works to support inclusive practice in wraparound provision.

Inclusive Environments

This training explores the creation of inclusive environments in the wraparound provision by exploring:

•    The physical environment 
•    The social and emotional environment

Training video
Inclusive environments on Vimeo [external link]

Supporting Children with Sensory Needs

This training provides advice and strategies to support children with sensory needs, this explores the following areas:

•    The senses and how they can impact emotional regulation 
•    What might we see and strategies to support 
•    Sensory audits

Training video
Supporting children with sensory needs on Vimeo [external link]

Behaviour as Communication

This training analyses behaviour and how we can support positive behaviour in wrapround provision, this explores the following areas:

•    Behaviour as communication of need 
•    Some strategies to support regulation 
•    The emotion ruler 
•    Interoception 
•    De-escalation 
•    Self-care 

Training video
Behaviour as communication on Vimeo [external link]

Wraparound Resources

Considering Self-Regulation Across Ages and Phases

  This guide provides strategies to support children’s self-regulation across all ages and phases. It has been developed by Darlington Borough Council and Partners.

Self Regulation 2025 [pdf document]

Self Regulation in the Early Years

This PDF resource explores the concept of self-regulation and play in the early years. It has been developed by Partnership for Children and Anna Freud. It also includes additional resources.

Baker, H. (2023). Promoting young children’s self-regulation skills through play. Anna Freud [pdf document]

Supporting Children's Mental Health 

Below is a short animation for educating staff that recognises the importance of supporting children and young people's mental health in schools and colleges.

Wraparound Training

In addition to the wraparound network and resources, we have offered wraparound training for all staff who lead and deliver wraparound provision across Darlington. The training focuses on the important role of staff who deliver high quality wraparound provision for children and considers inclusive environments, as well as exploring strategies to support children’s self-regulation and positive behaviour management. 

There are two separate training sessions which focus on both the before school and after school provision.

Please see the both recorded versions of the training below.

Useful Websites

Go to the toolkit area page