Update for 18 December 2025

Childcare Works recognises the incredible effort from local authorities over the last year and we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a restful and festive holiday season as we look forward to 2026.

Wraparound Spring MI 

Childcare Works would like to thank LAs for the huge effort over the last few months in getting your autumn MI submissions completed. If you receive an email from the CW helpdesk related to your MI template, please respond as soon as possible so as to not delay reporting to the DfE. Please note - once CW have finished reviewing the MI templates, they will be locked for editing (please don’t try to amend once submitted). Thank you. 

Looking ahead to spring term MI...

On Friday 12th December we shared an email to all Wraparound leads with details of Spring 2026 MI key dates and collection process. The key dates are below, if you did not receive a copy of the email, please contact childcareworks@mottmac.com : 

• *Friday 9th January MI survey, provider guidance and FAQs released to LAs.    

• Friday 9th January to Friday 16th January – Recommended window for LAs to disseminate survey and deadline information to providers.   

• *Monday 19th January to Friday 23rd January – Spring term 2026 reporting week.   

• *Monday 26th January to Friday 30th January – Recommended provider reporting window.  

• Wednesday 28th January – MI template, LA guidance and FAQs released to LAs.  

• Monday 2nd February to Friday 13th February – Recommended LA reporting window; LAs to quality assure providers data using provided checklist.  

• Friday 13th February – LA MI template submission deadline.   

*Dates to share with providers 

Wraparound Spring MI Drop-in Webinar 

Childcare Works will be hosting a drop-in webinar on Thursday 29th January 2026 at 11:00am. The session will address important questions we have received through helpdesk to support you in completing and submitting your MI.  Please note, the Spring MI template and guidance will be circulated with LAs beforehand.  

The session will include an overview of the MI process, timelines, and key tasks for LAs to complete and provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about completing and submitting your MI return. If you have any questions you would like to submit ahead of the session, please email them to childcareworks@mottmac.com. Following the session, any FAQs which are raised/answered will be shared with all LAs. 

Register for the webinar here: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams  

January Cluster meetings 

Thank you to everyone who has already booked onto a January cluster meeting. Please find the dates below and if you have not booked a place, please do so as soon as possible.  

If you are unable to attend your usual cluster, please sign up to attend an alternative meeting. If you are unable to attend a meeting at all, please let your adviser know as soon as possible. 

Resources 

• Download the updated Childcare Works Resource Directory for local authorities 

Created for local authorities as a useful short cut to finding information and support, the directory features links to resources from across the Childcare Works website. It has just been updated with new resources added and features the most up-to-date guidance for local authorities. 

Download a copy of the directory from the LAB 

• How can childminders develop their provision to incorporate wraparound care? 

On Wednesday 17th December, Childcare Works launched new resources for local authorities which look at childminder models of wraparound provision. These include three case studies which explore how childminders can: 

• Move services to non-domestic premises and extend wraparound 

• Operate on domestic premises 

• Work in partnership with a local school. 

Available now via the LAB