Wraparound childcare funding available – don’t miss out!
Looking to start, expand or strengthen your wraparound childcare provision? A range of funding is available to help schools, childcare providers and organisations create new places, extend operating hours, improve sustainability and increase inclusion for children with SEND.
Grants are available to support new or expanded provision, alongside funding for additional places, transport, start-up costs, sustainability and SEND inclusion. Whether you’re creating new childcare places or growing existing provision, this funding could help make your plans a reality.
Creation of new provision or expansion of operating hours
Schools and PVI providers are eligible for the same funding rates. To reflect provider feedback, we have:
- Increased allowances for venue hire and rental costs
- Updated staffing costs using the 2026 Devon County Council pay scales
Examples of funding available: (based on five hours of childcare provision per week)
- Up to £13,240 this is the equivalent of running for one childcare hour a day.
Additional place funding
Providers that are operating at capacity can apply for funding to increase the number of childcare places available.
Funding available:
- £250 per additional breakfast club or after-school club place
- £500 per place where both breakfast and after-school places are added
Example: If a setting increases capacity from 20 to 30 places for both breakfast and after-school provision, it could receive up to £5,000.
Transport grants
Where a provider is creating provision and can transport children from a neighbouring school, grants of up to £5,000 are available. Please note that funding is only available for a limited number of transport projects, and we currently expect to fund approximately four transport grants.
Start-up grants
New provision may be eligible for start-up grants of up to £1,500 to support equipment and initial set-up costs (Evidence will be required of expenditure).
Sustainability and SEND grants
Settings may apply for:
- Sustainability Grants of up to £5,000
- SEND Inclusion Grants of up to £5,000
These grants are designed to support the longer-term viability and inclusivity of childcare provision.
Evidence requirements
Please note that audit and monitoring requirements have been strengthened this year. Applicants will be required to provide more detailed financial and supporting evidence to demonstrate:
- How funding will be used
- The need for funding support
- Plans for ongoing sustainability beyond the funding period
This is a requirement of the Department for Education and forms part of the grant assessment process.
The application process is simple, with a single form covering all funding streams. Applicants only need to tick the funding option(s) they wish to apply for.
How to apply and further information:
Full details, guidance notes, eligibility criteria, and the application form are available on the website: School-age childcare (including wraparound) – information for providers – Information for childcare providers