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School Age Childcare Grants
Who may apply for funding? -Schools and school managing authorities who have space in existing premises to establish “stand alone” childcare facilities which would conform with best practice and would be available on a year round basis -Existing or new community groups may apply for a grant to expand an existing service to include school age childcare on a year round basis -Existing or new private providers may apply for a small capital grant to establish/expand to include school age childcare on a year round basis
In particular it is hoped that schools will get involved in this. For example -Schools can apply for funding in their own right or in collaboration with a childcare provider -the schools parents’ committee, with the agreement of the school managing authority, can apply -An independent group or individual can apply where they have negotiated a lease arrangement to operate within the school premises/grounds
Funding Available Capital Grants are available to Community/not-for-profit childcare groups to establish/upgrade childcare facilities and to private providers up to a ceiling of €50,790. Staffing grants are available to Community/not-for-profit groups to contribute towards staffing costs with a view to enhancing quality.
A Quality Service The Working Group believes that a Quality Service will entail “a comprehensive school age childcare programme which addresses the social, physical, developmental, recreational and creative needs of the child in a happy and caring environment”. A strong focus on play is recommended with a mixture of free play and structured play opportunities suggested. It is not envisaged that homework would be a core activity of the school age childcare service. The facility should: - offer a bright warm environment - be accessible by children with disabilities - provide adequate open internal space to facilitate physical activities - have a quiet area for reading and table-based activities. - have access to outdoor or large recreational play space - include a kitchen area to facilitate the preparation and storage of food and hot drinks for the children
If you are interested in establishing a School Age Childcare facility in South Kerry, please contact Claire O’Toole, South Kerry Development Partnership, Library Place, Killorglin, (066) 9761615 email: cotoole@skdp.net |
