Funding is always a hot topic for out-of-school clubs, and is often in very short supply, especially as the shock waves of the pandemic are still having an effect. Nevertheless, the news is promising for out-of-school clubs, a recent survey carried out by Direct Line Life Insurance reported that 18% of parents anticipate spending more on children’s after-school clubs, after missing out on them for much of 2020 (data collected over two UK surveys of 2,000 adults in February and March this year, get more information here.).
For all out-of-school clubs out there, did you know that there are several funding pots that you could get access to? We have put together this article to ensure that you know about two current schemes available.
The Holiday Activities and Food Programme
This scheme is a funding initiative that supports those families that need it most. In November, the government announced that the holiday activities and food programme would be expanded across the whole of England in 2021. The purpose of the programme is to provide healthy food, social interaction and extra-curricular activities to disadvantaged children.
Local authorities will receive grant funding to deliver the programme and need to ensure that free holiday club provision is available for all children eligible for and in receipt of free school meals in their area (although attendance is voluntary). In addition, a certain % of funds (with written approval) can also provide free or subsidised holiday places for children that are not in receipt of free school meals but who may be considered as vulnerable. Local authorities can work with community or voluntary organisations as a coordinator or delivery partner.
Update (July 2021) - The DfE has announced that they will extend the National School Breakfast Programme (NSBP) for schools in disadvantaged areas until July 2023, putting forward £24 million to extend the programme. Although up to March 2022, schools get a 100% subsidy, but this subsidy will be reduced to 75%, schools will then need to contribute 25% from other funding streams.
As an out-of-school club, if you are interested in coordinating one of these holiday club provisions, we recommend that you speak to a representative at your local authority. For more information about the programme click here.
Additional Restrictions Grant
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have recognised that many childcare businesses have suffered due to a drop off in demand during the numerous UK lock-downs, alongside experiencing increased costs because they have had to make changes to their settings to make them COVID-safe when they were allowed to finally operate. The Liverpool region council have put together a package of funding where out-of-school clubs (and other childcare organisations) could be eligible for one-off grants of up to £5,000. You can read more about the scheme here.
Even if you are not in this area of the country, you may be able to access the central government's Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG). The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is a discretionary grant to support local businesses who do not pay business rates and are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. You can check your eligibility for the ARG here.
Many after-school, breakfast and holiday clubs use magicbooking (you can see some of our wonderful reviews here). Please keep you eyes peeled on our blog for any further funding announcements that could help your out-of-school club.