Help for childcare providers

Applications are now open for funding to help childcare providers meet the extra costs of complying with public health guidance.

The Transitional Support Fund, part of £11.2 million support announced for the childcare sector, will help pay for things like increased cleaning, new or additional equipment, better outdoor spaces or adaptations to buildings.

Children’s Minister Maree Todd said:

“Childcare has been central to the COVID-19 response and I want to thank all childcare providers who remained open to provide critical childcare throughout the pandemic.

“Since the wider reopening, childcare settings have had to adapt and have been extremely diligent in implementing public health measures to reassure staff and parents that they are safe. We also know that additional cleaning, or changing the layout of premises, comes at an extra cost.

“Childcare plays a critical role in Scotland’s economic recovery from COVID-19 in supporting children’s development and helping parents return to work, so I am pleased this fund is now open for applications to help the sector in what have been very challenging times.”

Background

You can apply to the Transitional Support Fund at Coronavirus (COVID-19): support to childcare sector.

Grants from the Transitional Support Fund will be available to all private and voluntary or not-for-profit registered day care of children providers, not just those delivering funded early learning and childcare.

Grant amounts will vary according to the size of the childcare setting and will be based on Care Inspectorate registered capacity.

Within the £11.2 million of support for the childcare sector there will be a further announcement about further funding for the Childminding Workforce Support Fund in the coming weeks.