Grant funding available for early learning and childcare partner providers in Moray

Moray Council is inviting partner providers to apply for grants to help with infrastructure improvements and staff development, as part of the wider early learning and childcare expansion programme.

Up to £80,000 has been made available for providers with funded places operating in non-Council owned properties, under any of the following criteria: start-up grant; increasing capacity; outdoor space; general accommodation improvements/extension; family spaces.

Alongside this £20,000 is earmarked for those seeking assistance with staff training and development as the early learning and childcare expansion rolls out.

Providers can apply for up to £25,000 each, fully-funded by the Scottish Government, which will help them prepare for the increase in funded hours on offer for three and four years-olds and eligible two year-olds, which changes from 600 hours a year to 1,140 hours a year starting from August 2018.

Chair of Moray Council’s Children and Young Peoples’ Services Committee, Cllr Tim Eagle, is urging partner providers to consider applying for a grant.

He said: “We’re inviting applications until 31 March 2018. By investing £100,000 in our local childcare settings, we’re helping to futureproof these services for the benefit of thousands of children in Moray, and expanding employment opportunities within the early learning and childcare professions.”

Application forms can be downloaded from Moray Council’s website and further information can be requested by contacting the education and social care department at Moray Council on by emailing educationandsocialcare@moray.gov.ukor calling 01343 563374.