What a summer — and what a start to the new academic year.
Across the UK, councils are finding new ways to make wraparound childcare affordable and sustainable. Schools are adapting to Ofsted’s new framework changes. Providers are scaling places at pace to meet family demand.
At All Incompass, we’ve pulled together the most important childcare and wraparound updates from the last three months (June–September 2025) to help councils, schools, and providers plan with confidence.
🔑 Ofsted Changes Ahead
From November 2025, Ofsted inspections will introduce a separate safeguarding judgement — rated simply as “met” or “not met”. You can read the full framework here on GOV.UK.
This is a major shift. It means inspectors will expect visible, reliable systems — not lever-arch files and paper trails.
One Ofsted inspector recently highlighted during an inspection:
“Staff are able to instantly access any important information using an online system. This was highlighted as what we do well.”
And from provider S4A, who use All Incompass:
“Thanks to All Incompass, our Ofsted inspection had zero recommendations.” — Joe Merry, Operations Director
Why it matters: Schools and providers need safeguarding workflows (register → flag → incident log) that can be shown live in inspection, not pieced together afterwards.
💷 Funding & Council Blueprints
Local authorities remain under pressure. According to Local Government Association research, only 25% of councils say there is enough wraparound provision in all areas for families with children aged 5–11.
But some are finding new solutions:
- Buckinghamshire: piloting a one-off council fee that funds All Incompass licences across schools — leaving schools with £0 monthly costs.
- Norfolk: added 1,148 new full wraparound places across 73 schools, bringing their total to 3,100+ places. Read the full update on Norfolk County Council’s website.
- Derby City Council: announced a city-wide expansion of wraparound provision in July 2025, ensuring more working families can access flexible care. Read the announcement.
Why it matters: These examples show councils can act decisively — and fast — when they back region-wide models.
📌 What to Watch This Month
- Somerset: childcare grant panels scheduled for September and October 2025. See the Somerset Early Years portal for details.
- Childcare Works webinar (Sept 2025): aligning wraparound and holiday programmes — watch the recording here.
- Essex: funded hours expansion from September 2025 is changing demand for older siblings’ wraparound. Essex County Council details.
📊 By the Numbers
Since launch in September 2023, All Incompass has:
- Processed £700,000+ in bookings
- Supported 2,200+ parents
- Helped care for 3,000+ children
That’s real-world proof that digital-first wraparound is both sustainable and scalable.
🚀 Takeaway for Councils, Schools, and Providers
Whether you’re a council officer, school leader, or childcare provider, the message this term is clear:
- Accountability: Ofsted will expect live safeguarding evidence.
- Affordability: One-off funding models are proving a viable route to zero-licence costs for schools.
- Sustainability: Automated systems reduce admin burden and protect against staffing risks.
At All Incompass, we’re here to help you navigate each step — from funding bids to council-wide rollouts.
📞 Next Steps
- Book a 20-min discovery call → https://linktr.ee/allincompass
- Share your social content brief → https://lnkd.in/eSnD6FmM
- Catch up on our related blogs: