Essex Council Awards £30,000 Grant to Boost Childcare in Harlow
Time for Change Kids, a wraparound care provider based in Harlow, has successfully secured £30,000 in grant funding from Essex County Council. This significant financial injection is set to transform local childcare services by creating 60 new places for school-aged children within the community.
Expanding Access and Enrichment Opportunities
The grant will not only fund these new childcare spots but also support a range of enrichment activities designed to help young people build essential leadership skills and boost their confidence. Wraparound childcare is a vital service that operates before and after the school day, typically running from 8am until 6pm during term time. These services are available for primary-aged pupils and can also support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) up to the age of 19.
The funding comes from the Wraparound Revenue Funding grant, a program specifically designed to assist schools, childminders, and private providers. The initiative aims to provide working parents with the necessary support while ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life.
Council and Provider Perspectives
Councillor Tony Ball expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We’re pleased to support Time for Change Kids with this grant. Creating 60 new wraparound childcare places is an important step toward meeting the need for quality school-aged wraparound childcare in Harlow.” He highlighted that the service not only helps parents return to work but also offers valuable new opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
Anne-Marie Murphy, Director at Time for Change Kids, added: “Revenue funding has been instrumental in expanding our wraparound care services, supporting local recruitment, and providing extensive training to our staff.” She described wraparound care as a “lifeline” that has facilitated job creation and enabled local parents to maintain employment.
Broader Impact and Future Opportunities
This funding reflects a wider commitment from Essex County Council to ensure that excellent childcare is accessible for local working families. In addition to establishing new spaces, the grant can be utilized for:
- Covering start-up costs and expanding existing services.
- Providing specialist training for staff to effectively support children with additional needs.
- Assisting with transport hire as demand for the new childcare places continues to grow.
The team at Time for Change Kids works tirelessly to ensure that all children enjoy a diverse and engaging timetable during their time at the centre. Funding for similar projects remains available on a rolling basis until March 2027 or until all allocated funds have been distributed.
Local providers interested in applying for a grant can find more information on the Essex County Council website. Residents are also encouraged to explore online resources to learn about the broader expansion of childcare reforms currently underway across Essex.
