The programme funding aims to remove key barriers to setting up new provision or expanding current provision. By providing funding upfront ('pump prime funding') we aim to remove/minimise the financial risk that is often a barrier to setting up or expanding provision.
The programme funding is tapered over 5 terms. This reflects the expectation that as take-up of provision increases, and therefore income from parental payments increases, the level of grant funding needed to contribute to running costs to ensure sustainability reduces.
Programme funding can be used to cover costs including:
Staffing
Training, including specialist training for staff to ensure they feel equipped to support children with additional needs
Transport costs such as minibus hire (not purchase, although capital funding could be used for this)
Resources
Running costs whilst demand builds, to remove any financial risk to providers of offering additional places before demand is guaranteed
Capital funding (provided separately) can be used so providers can ensure that inclusive provision is set up from the beginning, by using it to establish inclusive spaces and buy inclusive equipment and resources.
Further details are available in the Wraparound Programme Handbook