Rural Childcare/Youth Provision

(5% of the overall SWARD programmes budget will be allocated to Childcare/Youth Provision)

This element of the programme offers opportunities for farm families, community, social enterprise and private sector solutions to local childcare/youth needs.

Why?

Rural areas face particular and distinct challenges in relation to the delivery of and access to rural childcare/youth services.  Only 8% of NI rural after-schools are located in the cluster area; less than 1% of crèches; 5% of the total nurseries; and 10% of the total playgroup provision. (Rural Childcare Report Investing in the Future 2008)

This calls for specific and targeted rural solutions:

• To enable rural dwellers achieve their full economic and social potential
• To improve access to rural childcare/youth provision
• To deliver sustainable childcare/youth solutions

 Who can benefit?

Applications are invited from Social Economy Enterprises, Private Sector and Community-based organisations

 What type of projects can be supported?

 Examples of projects could include:

• Improve the business management skills of providers & volunteers
• Support extended childcare/youth solutions in areas of identified need
• Deliver on or off-farm rural childcare/youth enterprises
• Encourage wrap around childcare services (all day care)
• Develop childminding networks or services
• Projects encouraging youth enterprise

Contact your local Project Officer for advice on project eligibility

 This funding will be allocated under Measures 3.1 to 3.6 as appropriate.

Grant/ Grant Rates – as per appropriate measure