Funding

FUNDING FOR YOUR SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

YOUR SCHOOL PLAYGROUND funding

As school and nursery budgets tighten, securing third-party funding for your playground project is more crucial than ever. That’s why we’ve partnered with FundEd, the leading experts in school fundraising.

FundEd helps schools generate additional income, craft effective fundraising strategies, and run successful campaigns. Many of the resources that enhance school life are often funded through grants or fundraising efforts, making their support invaluable.

To explore funding opportunities, click the image opposite to visit the FundEd website. Be sure to reference The School Playground Company when inquiring about playground grants.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU APPLY FOR FUNDING

Here at The School Playground Company, our team of experienced professionals are here to help you through the process of applying for funding. Securing funding to help with new School playground equipment can be a roller coaster ride, but you should not be deterred!

FREE ADVICE

The School Playground Company offer a free initial design and consultation service. We take the time to discuss the School’s requirements in detail, then survey, measure, design and cost your project so you have a real indication of how far your budget will stretch.

Our team then enlists the services of our funding partner – FundEd, who will assess your specific funding application.

FUNDING STREAMS

FundEd can then start researching those all-important funding streams. Remember that funding organisations work regionally and nationally. So we will see what is available in your local area first.

We work alongside you and our funding partner every step of the way to ensure your funding application for your new chosen school playground project has the best chance of success!

Funding applications are now open for the School-Based Nursery (SBN) Initiative.

This is a funding scheme from the government aimed to provide 3,000 school-based nurseries and primary schools with a share of the £15 million capital funds. These funds are designed to help convert disused or inaccessible school spaces into valuable sites for learning, inclusion, and play.

The SBN Scheme allows eligible state-funded primary schools that provide early years education with a one-time grant to use to develop their nursery spaces. Appropriate use cases include:

Enhancing outdoor play and educational facilities
Converting spaces into sites appropriate for nursery students
Modifying equipment to meet Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requirements such as specialised equipment, accessible spaces for play, and infrastructural changes for increased inclusivity.

Eligibility of each applicant depends on being a state-funded primary school in England that provides early years education, including reception education, or with an integrated or contracted nursery activity within the school management or on the school premises.

At The School Playground Company, our goal is to ensure that all schools have the opportunity to provide children with an enriching play space suitable and accessible for everyone. Therefore, we are there for you every step of the way to guide you through the funding process.

Our free design and consultation service is available to all schools and nurseries looking for a way to develop their outdoor spaces further. Simply contact our team and we will come back to you with advice for accessing funding and guidance on how best to use your budget when you apply.

Apply for SBR funding by the 19^th December to ensure that you don’t miss out on this great opportunity to enhance your school or nursery with accessible, stimulating, and safe playgrounds.

Access the full eligibility criteria and the application form at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/school-based-nursery-capital-grant

FOLLOW OUR STEP BY STEP PROCESS TO CREATE YOUR PERFECT PLAYGROUND PROJECT

School Playground Funding - What’s the dream?

Aim high, it’s always better to have a larger masterplan. Funding may come in smaller chunks over time so prioritise what will deliver the biggest impact. We will help you split your quote for your new playground project into smaller manageable options.

Playground Grants - What’s the need?

Remember funders will assess applications based on need. Think about what’s wrong with the current situation and highlight what the funding will help you achieve.

Funding Applications - Who will it benefit?

Think about the benefits to the direct users and the overall environment and community. Some funders favour applications that have wider reaching community benefits. Is there any other groups that may use the equipment out of School hours or term time?

Bid Writing for Schools - Who needs to be involved along the way?

Funding applications need to be a team effort; the more people you involve, the bigger the momentum.
Think about:

Pupils – School councils are a great source of input
Parents & Governors – PTA committee – what skills or connections do they have that could be useful?
Staff – Lunchtime supervisors and site supervisors will often have useful and practical feedback
Community – external organisations are always keen to support local initiatives

Playground Funding for Schools - What are the practicalities?

Do we have the space to achieve what we need?
Do we need planning permission?