Childcare Sustainability Grant
Where the loss of existing childcare places is likely to create a childcare sufficiency gap, sustainability funding may be available as one element of a support package.
The Childcare Sustainability Grant may be used by childcare providers in York for:
- Short-term financial support to help sustain established groups/organisations offering good quality childcare in York when their current viability is threatened due to adverse circumstances
Who can apply for the Childcare Sustainability Grant?
The following Ofsted-registered childcare providers from the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector can apply for the Childcare Sustainability Grant:
- Full day care providers
- Sessional day care providers
- Childminders
- Out of school clubs
Please note that schools are not eligible to apply for the Childcare Sustainability Grant. They can seek advice on childcare sustainability from the School Business Support Team at City of York Council, on (01904) 554231.
All childcare providers must ensure that all available options are considered and actioned before applying for the Childcare Sustainability Grant, such as:
- Recent and sound business plan, which includes
- targeted campaigns to increase take-up of provision;
- maintaining an optimum level of pricing;
- improving efficiencies;
- fundraising;
- and supporting parents/carers to subsidise childcare costs by exploring other funding streams.
Who to contact for support on sustainability:
Voluntary childcare providers can seek support from:
- York Council for Voluntary Services (York CVS) by telephone on (01904) 621133. York CVS provides advice, information and support to voluntary childcare providers on monitoring and evaluation, project planning, funding, financial management, and policies and good practice.
Private childcare providers can seek support from:
Childcare providers can also contact the Childcare Strategy & Business Management Service at City of York Council on 01904 554380 to discuss their sustainability in general.
How much can groups apply for?
Awards made under the Childcare Sustainability Grant will usually be between £3000 and £5000; however, smaller/larger grants will be considered. Childcare providers can get information on applying for significantly higher grants from the Business Support Assistants 01904554380 or email Jessica.rees@york.gov.uk.
Assessment of applications:
An assessment panel will meet half-termly to consider applications. The panel consists of:
- Community Leisure Officer – Active Play (chair of panel)
- Policy & Planning Manager, Childcare Strategy & Business Management
- Family Information Service Manager, Children’s Trust Unit
- Business Support Assistants, Childcare Strategy & Business Management
- Head of Finance, York Council for Voluntary Service
- Out of School Support Adviser, Childcare Strategy & Business Management
OR Early Years Support Adviser, Early Years, Learning & Welfare
Assessment deadlines:
Applications must be received at least ten working days prior to assessment panel meetings. Any applications received after such dates will be considered at the next assessment panel meeting. The panel will meet on the following dates:
- 30th May 2012
- 6th September 2012
- 8th January 2013
- 19th March 2013
Notification of outcome:
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within ten working days of the assessment panel meeting. Applicants will be notified via email and a hardcopy of the notification letter will be sent by post. If applicants are unsuccessful, a report will also be sent detailing the decisions that were made and further advice and support that is available to providers.
Download guidance and application form
