Bolton Start Well

Wraparound childcare is childcare that ‘wraps around’ the conventional school day.  The national wraparound childcare programme is part of the children's reforms announced at the 2023 Spring Budget. The government's ambition is that by 2026, all parents and carers of primary school-aged children who need it will be able to access term time childcare in their local area from 8am-6pm, so that parents/carers can access employment and training.

Bolton Council: Wraparound Childcare Grant Funding Opportunity 

Bolton Council is pleased to invite applications for capital and revenue grant funding to support the expansion of wraparound childcare provision across the borough. 

This funding aims to deliver an increase in wraparound childcare places where they are most needed, while ensuring value for money. 

Applications will be prioritised in areas identified as having a greater need, based on the findings of the local sufficiency audit and data from the Department for Education. Special consideration will be given to projects that will help address the gaps in provision and support parents in areas with limited current childcare options.

Programme Funding

There are two types of grants available for Bolton providers to apply for a share of:

• Capital Wraparound Childcare Expansion - to help cover the costs ensuring sufficient wraparound places (start-up and expansion)
• Wraparound Childcare Revenue - supporting the set up or expansion of provision, covering staffing, trraining, transport, resources and running costs whilst demand grows.

When to apply

Applications welcome from:

Round 1 applications are open from Friday 11th October 2024 until 5pm on Monday 11th November 2024

Round 2 applications are open from Friday 13th December 2024 until 5pm on Monday 13th January 2025

How to apply

To apply for these grants, applicants must first create an account on The Chest, the North West’s Local Authority Procurement Portal, where full guidance is available in the ‘How Do’ documents.

Please note that applicants will be required to undergo additional checks, including Health and Safety, insurance and due diligence assessments, to support their applications.

We encourage all eligible providers to apply and contribute to ensuring access to quality childcare provision across Bolton.

To apply, visit: Bolton Council: Wraparound Childcare Grant Funding Opportunity. 

Contact

For more support, contact Bolton Start Well Service or:

• Carley.stringer@bolton.gov.uk
• Elaine.gilroy@bolton.gov.uk