Deadline: 15-Feb-2027
The Play Fund 2026/2027 supports registered play and childcare providers in Swansea by helping them maintain affordable, accessible, and high-quality services for children and families. The funding helps providers manage operational costs, strengthen sustainability, and continue delivering play opportunities for children aged 5–12.
Eligible organisations can apply for up to £5,000 to support essential revenue costs such as staffing, utilities, insurance, training, and service promotion.
What Is the Play Fund 2026/2027?
The Play Fund 2026/2027 is a sustainability grant programme designed to support play and childcare providers in Swansea.
The fund helps organisations continue providing:
- Safe play environments
- Affordable childcare services
- Accessible support for families
- Consistent play opportunities for children
The programme focuses on maintaining existing services and helping providers remain financially sustainable.
Main Objectives of the Fund
The Play Fund aims to:
- Support new and established play providers
- Maintain continuous play provision
- Strengthen childcare sustainability
- Improve access to affordable services
- Support families across Swansea
The fund recognises the importance of reliable childcare and play opportunities for children’s development and family well-being.
Priority Areas Supported
Maintaining Play Services
Funding helps providers continue operating their services by supporting essential running costs.
This includes helping organisations:
- Keep services open
- Maintain staffing levels
- Continue community-based play provision
Childcare Support for Children Aged 5–12
The fund specifically supports childcare and play activities for children aged 5 to 12.
Projects should contribute to:
- Child development
- Safe recreation
- Family support
- Community engagement
Sustainable Business Development
The programme helps providers build stronger operational foundations.
Support may help organisations:
- Manage costs
- Plan future delivery
- Maintain financial stability
Quality and Accessible Childcare
The fund supports services that are:
- Affordable
- Inclusive
- Reliable
- Available to local families
Who Is Eligible?
The fund is available to registered play and childcare providers based in Swansea.
Eligible applicants include providers that:
- Deliver play services
- Provide childcare support
- Are registered under relevant requirements
- Operate within Swansea
Both new and existing providers may apply.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial planning.
Providers are required to:
- Review their financial position
- Provide financial forecasts
- Show expected costs from April 2026 to March 2027
Applications should explain how funding will support long-term sustainability.
Funding Details
Maximum grant amount:
£5,000 per application
Applications above £5,000:
Considered only in exceptional circumstances
Providers may submit more than one application during the 2026/2027 financial year, but funding availability is limited.
Applications will be assessed according to:
- Need
- Fund priorities
- Sustainability impact
Eligible Costs
The grant supports revenue costs needed to maintain services.
Utility Costs
Funding may support:
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water
Utility support is limited to:
25% of monthly utility costs
Staff Costs
Eligible staffing costs may include:
- Wages
- Travel expenses
- Subsistence costs
Staff support helps providers maintain consistent service delivery.
Training and Qualifications
Funding may contribute towards approved qualification costs.
This supports:
- Workforce development
- Staff skills
- Quality improvement
Internet and Communication Costs
Support may cover WiFi running costs.
Limit:
25% of monthly WiFi costs
Insurance Costs
Funding may support necessary insurance expenses linked to service delivery.
Advertising and Promotion
Providers may use funding for active marketing activities, including:
- Promotional materials
- Service information
- Community outreach materials
Costs Not Covered
The fund does not support capital expenditure.
Excluded costs include:
Building Improvements
Not covered:
- Building upgrades
- Outdoor area improvements
- Major property works
Equipment and Furniture
Not covered:
- Large equipment purchases
- Furniture
- Play equipment
Repairs and Replacement
Not covered:
- Fixtures and fittings replacement
- Major repairs
Vehicles
Vehicle purchases are not eligible.
Parent and Toddler Groups
Parent and toddler groups are excluded from funding support.
How to Apply
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Applicants should confirm:
- They are registered providers
- They operate in Swansea
- Their service supports children aged 5–12
Step 2: Review Financial Needs
Providers should identify:
- Current financial challenges
- Essential operating costs
- Sustainability priorities
Step 3: Prepare Financial Forecasts
Applicants should provide:
- Budget information
- Financial forecasts
- Expected costs for April 2026–March 2027
Step 4: Complete the Application
Applications should explain:
- What funding will support
- How services will continue
- How children and families benefit
Step 5: Work With Swansea Council Support Officers
Successful applicants should work with Swansea Council Play Team Development Officers.
This helps providers:
- Strengthen sustainability
- Improve planning
- Maintain continuous provision
Why This Fund Matters
Play and childcare services provide important support for children, parents, and communities.
The Play Fund helps organisations:
- Continue essential services
- Reduce barriers for families
- Provide safe environments for children
- Strengthen local childcare networks
By supporting operational sustainability, the programme helps ensure children across Swansea continue to access quality play opportunities.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Not Explaining Sustainability Needs
Applications should show why funding is needed.
Tip: Clearly connect costs to continued service delivery.
Requesting Ineligible Costs
Capital purchases are not supported.
Tip: Focus on operational expenses such as staffing, utilities, and insurance.
Weak Financial Planning
Funding decisions depend on financial evidence.
Tip: Provide realistic forecasts and cost breakdowns.
Not Showing Community Impact
Applications should explain benefits.
Tip: Describe how children and families will benefit.
Missing Supporting Information
Incomplete applications may delay assessment.
Tip: Include all requested financial and organisational documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Play Fund 2026/2027?
Registered play and childcare providers based in Swansea can apply.
How much funding is available?
Providers can apply for up to £5,000 per application.
Can new childcare providers apply?
Yes. The fund supports both new and existing registered providers.
What costs can the grant cover?
The fund can support staff costs, utilities, insurance, training contributions, WiFi costs, and advertising.
Are building improvements funded?
No. Capital costs such as building improvements, equipment purchases, and major repairs are not eligible.
Can providers submit multiple applications?
Yes. More than one application can be submitted during the financial year, but funding is limited.
What period must financial forecasts cover?
Applicants must provide forecasts covering April 2026 to March 2027.
Conclusion
The Play Fund 2026/2027 provides essential sustainability support for Swansea’s registered play and childcare providers.
By helping organisations manage operational costs and maintain quality services, the fund supports children, families, and communities through accessible and reliable play opportunities.
For more information, visit Swansea Council.
