CFAs: Childcare and Early Years Large Capital Grant Programme (United Kingdom)

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:

• Schools
• Community buildings
• Health hubs

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.