Deadline: 15-Jul-2026
The Childcare and Early Years Large Capital Grant Programme 2025–2028 supports childcare providers in Swansea to improve facilities, expand childcare places, and strengthen early years services. The programme funds capital projects that increase access to high-quality childcare, including Welsh-medium provision, Flying Start childcare, Childcare Offer places, and support for children with additional learning needs.
Eligible childcare settings can apply for large-scale capital investment projects valued at £20,000 or more, with funding decisions based on local childcare demand and service needs.
What Is the Childcare and Early Years Large Capital Grant Programme?
The Childcare and Early Years Large Capital Grant Programme is a funding initiative designed to improve childcare infrastructure across Swansea.
The programme supports childcare providers to:
- Expand childcare capacity
- Improve existing facilities
- Create new childcare opportunities
- Strengthen early years services
- Support families with accessible childcare options
The funding is part of the wider Welsh Government Childcare and Early Years Capital Programme.
Programme Background
The Welsh Government has committed £45 million across Wales between:
- 2025/2026
- 2026/2027
- 2027/2028
The investment supports the expansion and improvement of early years childcare services.
Funding allocated to Swansea Council is intended to:
- Improve existing childcare settings
- Develop new facilities where demand exists
- Address local childcare shortages
Main Objectives of the Programme
The grant aims to:
- Increase the number of childcare places
- Improve childcare quality
- Expand Welsh-medium childcare provision
- Support inclusive childcare services
- Strengthen sustainable childcare delivery
- Respond to local childcare demand
Key Priority Areas
Expansion of Flying Start Childcare
The programme supports childcare settings that provide or expand:
- Flying Start childcare places
- Early years support services
- Targeted childcare provision
Childcare Offer and Foundation Learning
Funding supports settings delivering:
- Welsh Government Childcare Offer places
- Foundation Learning opportunities
- Early years education support
Welsh-Medium Childcare Provision
The programme encourages growth of Welsh-medium childcare.
Support may help providers:
- Create Welsh-language childcare places
- Improve facilities for Welsh-medium delivery
- Expand access to Welsh-language services
Increasing Childcare Places
Projects should help increase availability of childcare.
This may include:
- New childcare spaces
- Expansion of existing settings
- Improved use of facilities
Co-Location of Services
The programme supports childcare services located alongside other community facilities.
Examples include:
Co-location can improve access and coordination of family services.
Out-of-School Childcare and Play
Funding may support:
- Before-school childcare
- After-school childcare
- Holiday childcare
- Play opportunities
The aim is to provide flexible childcare throughout the year.
Support for Disabled Children and Additional Learning Needs
Projects should consider accessibility and inclusion.
Funding may support improvements that benefit:
- Disabled children
- Children with additional learning needs
- Inclusive childcare environments
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is open to childcare providers operating in Swansea.
Eligible applicants include:
- Childminders
- Private childcare providers
- Voluntary childcare organisations
- Local authority-maintained childcare settings
Applicants must be registered with:
Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
Eligible settings may include:
- Full day care providers
- Sessional day care providers
- Open access play providers
- Creches
- Out-of-school childcare providers
New Childcare Settings
New providers may apply if they provide a written commitment to register with CIW as soon as possible.
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be registered in Swansea
- Be registered with CIW
- Submit a complete application
- Demonstrate childcare need
- Explain project benefits
Providers operating multiple locations must submit separate applications for each registered setting.
Funding cannot be moved between different projects or locations.
Funding Details
Minimum project value:
£20,000
Maximum funding limit:
No upper limit specified
Funding requests must be supported by:
- Project costings
- Design information
- Clear justification
The amount awarded depends on:
- Project size
- Local need
- Available funding
- Application quality
Eligible Costs
Funding can support capital improvements that strengthen childcare delivery.
Refurbishment and Improvements
Eligible projects may include:
- General refurbishment
- Facility improvements
- Essential maintenance work
Equipment and Furniture
Funding may support:
- Replacement equipment
- Furniture improvements
- Work equipment
Childcare Facility Development
Projects may improve:
- Indoor spaces
- Childcare environments
- Service delivery areas
Ineligible or Restricted Areas
Funding is focused on childcare infrastructure.
Applicants should ensure requested costs directly support childcare provision.
Long-Term Commitment Requirements
Successful providers must commit to maintaining childcare provision for:
Five years from the date of final grant payment
Funding may need to be repaid if:
- Childcare services stop
- Fee-paying children are prioritised over Welsh Government-funded childcare places
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify a Childcare Need
Applicants should consider:
- Local demand
- Existing childcare gaps
- Community needs
Evidence may come from:
- Childcare Sufficiency Assessments
- Local population information
- Service demand data
Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal
Applications should explain:
- What improvements are planned
- How children benefit
- How childcare capacity increases
Step 3: Prepare Cost Information
Applicants should provide:
- Project budgets
- Cost estimates
- Supporting plans
Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest
Providers must submit an online expression of interest to Swansea Council.
Step 5: Council Assessment
A Swansea Council panel reviews applications.
The panel considers:
- Eligibility
- Local childcare priorities
- Project impact
- Funding requirements
Incomplete applications will not progress.
Step 6: Welsh Government Business Case
The application process includes a Business Justification Case.
Support is available from the Swansea Council Capital Project Manager.
Small Capital Grant Support
Smaller childcare improvements may be supported through the Small Capital Grant programme.
Eligible costs may include:
- Refurbishment
- Outdoor play improvements
- Fixtures and fittings
- Equipment for children with additional learning needs
- Furniture
- Digital communication equipment
Small Grant Funding Limits
Maximum awards vary by provider type.
Examples include:
Registered childminders:
Up to £7,500
Childcare providers with 30 or more places:
Up to £20,000
Funding depends on:
- Provider circumstances
- Project need
- Cost justification
Why This Programme Matters
Access to quality childcare supports children, families, and communities.
The programme helps Swansea develop stronger early years services by:
- Increasing childcare availability
- Improving facilities
- Supporting working families
- Expanding inclusive provision
Investment in childcare infrastructure helps create sustainable services that meet current and future demand.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Not Demonstrating Local Need
Applications should show why investment is required.
Tip: Use childcare demand evidence and local assessments.
Weak Project Planning
Capital projects require clear preparation.
Tip: Include realistic costs, timelines, and design information.
Applying for Ineligible Costs
Projects should focus on childcare improvements.
Tip: Ensure every cost directly supports service delivery.
Missing Registration Requirements
Providers must meet eligibility rules.
Tip: Confirm CIW registration status before applying.
Not Explaining Long-Term Impact
Funding requires sustainability.
Tip: Explain how the project will continue benefiting children for at least five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Large Capital Grant?
Registered childcare providers operating in Swansea can apply.
What is the minimum project value?
Projects must have a minimum value of £20,000.
Is there a maximum grant amount?
There is no fixed upper funding limit, but requests must be justified.
What types of childcare are supported?
The programme supports full-day care, sessional care, Flying Start childcare, Childcare Offer places, play services, and out-of-school childcare.
Do applicants need CIW registration?
Yes. Providers must be registered with Care Inspectorate Wales or commit to registration if they are new settings.
Can a provider apply for multiple locations?
Yes, but separate applications are required for each registered setting.
How long must funded childcare continue?
Providers must maintain childcare provision for five years after receiving the final grant payment.
Conclusion
The Childcare and Early Years Large Capital Grant Programme 2025–2028 provides major investment in Swansea’s childcare infrastructure.
By supporting facility improvements, childcare expansion, Welsh-medium provision, and inclusive services, the programme helps create stronger early years environments for children and families.
For more information, visit Swansea Council.
