At Dorchester Middle School we run Wraparound Childcare which is a paid provision available to all. The childcare is available to parents during term time and is provided by our fantastic Wraparound Care Staff.   This means children can arrive early from 7:30am and can stay after school until 5:30pm.  During these sessions, children are offered a healthy breakfast or snacks, and a choice of fun activities, such as: 

• Homework Support
• Board Games
• Lego
• Film night
• Crafts
• Outside Activities (weather permitting)

Timings

Costing and Bookings

To cover the cost of the food, staff and activities, a fee will apply for these sessions. Payment is required in advance. Payments and bookings can be made via the ARBOR App for iPhone or ARBOR App for Android.

As an example, one child attending wraparound care for three hours every day for a month would cost £340. 

If your child already attends Wraparound childcare, and you would like to contact the team, the phone number is: 07395075202. This phone line is open between 7.30 - 8.30am and 15.30 - 17.30pm. Please do inform us if you are running late or if your child won't be attending.

Help With Childcare Costs 

You may be able to get help paying for childcare. You can check what support you could receive by using the official government Childcare Calculator: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/childcare-calc/  

Here are some of the main ways families may receive help: 

• Universal Credit 
  Families receiving Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs. From April 2026, the maximum monthly claim will be £1,071.09 for one child and £1,836.16 for two or more children.  

• Tax‑Free Childcare 
  For every £8 parents pay, the UK government adds £2.  This can give up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 if the child is disabled.  

• Childcare Vouchers 
  These closed to new applicants in 2018, but parents already using them may continue if they are still with the same employer. 

If you have any questions you can email:  Mrs Nikki King at nking@dms.wessex.ac, but please be mindful that Mrs King would not be checking emails until the end of the school day (3:30pm).