Childcare expansion capital grant

Hampshire County Council has received £2.263m government capital funding to build capacity for the new childcare offer announced in their 2023 Spring Budget.

The funding can be used to provide new places in a range of provider types, where these are offering the 30-hours early years entitlement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Private, Voluntary and Independent Providers:
  • Private group-based providers, registered with Ofsted (e.g., pre-schools and day nurseries);
  • Voluntary group-based providers, registered with Ofsted (including community groups, charities, churches, or religious groups);
  • Independent providers offering the early years entitlements.
• State-funded schools:
  • Local authority maintained primary, infant, and junior schools (including special schools) offering early years entitlements and/or wraparound provision;
  • Primary, infant, or junior academies or free schools (including special schools) offering early years entitlements and/or wraparound provision;
  • Maintained nursery schools.
• Childminders and childcare on domestic premises.

These providers are invited to submit applications for funding that could contribute towards meeting the capital costs associated with building adaptation projects that create additional places for:

• Children taking up an early years place through the expanded 30-hours entitlement for qualifying working parents (from the term following the child reaching 9-months to the term in which they turn 3-years-old);

When and how to apply

Please carefully read the detailed information in the Childcare Expansion Capital Grant (Early Years) - Application guidance and complete the Capital grant application form if you have a project you would like to be considered further. The grant round will be open from 2 to 27 September 2024.  Applications will need to be submitted by 5pm on the 27 September.

Applications will be reviewed against the key criteria and sufficiency requirements, and you may be contacted to discuss your project in more detail.

Drop-in sessions

Two sessions have been arranged to provide information on how to apply for the grant, and to give you the opportunity to ask questions regarding your proposed project.

Book your place via the links below using the password SfYC when prompted:

10 September 11am - Autumn 2024 Childcare Expansion Capital Grant Information Session AM

12 September 4:30pm - Autumn 2024 Childcare Expansion Capital Grant Information Session PM

Contact us

If you would like any further information or to discuss this in more detail, please send an initial email to [email protected]