The Early Years Support Programme is designed to support Integrated Nursery and Primary Schools in meeting the additional learning and developmental needs of children.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN.
Applications open on Thursday 01 October 2026 and close at 4pm on Friday 30 October 2026. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in December 2026. Projects can begin from 01 January 2027 and must be completed by 30 June 2027.
The Early Years Support Programme is designed to support Integrated Nursery and Primary Schools in meeting the additional learning and developmental needs of children. The programme aims to provide early intervention support that improves educational, developmental and wellbeing outcomes for pupils.
Communication, literacy and numeracy skills play a vital role in a child's development, wellbeing and readiness to learn. The programme supports projects that provide practical, targeted interventions for children in nursery and playgroup settings, the Foundation Stage and/or Key Stage 1, helping schools address barriers to learning at an early stage. The programme particularly encourages projects that take a proactive and holistic approach to early intervention, helping children overcome challenges, improve outcomes and thrive both within and beyond the classroom.
Examples of activities that may be supported include literacy and numeracy interventions, speech and language support, nurture provision, social communication programmes, emotional wellbeing initiatives, additional classroom support, staff training and specialist resources or equipment.
Funding Available
Funding of up to £8,000 is available per school. The total amount of funding available for the programme is limited; therefore, only a small number of grants will be awarded.
Schools are encouraged to apply only for the funding required to deliver their proposed project and should not automatically apply for the maximum grant amount unless required.
Criteria
To be considered for an Early Years Support Programme grant, applicants must clearly demonstrate how the project will have a positive impact on pupils. Applications should identify the need being addressed, outline the proposed activities and demonstrate the anticipated outcomes for children. As funding is limited and demand is expected to be high, the IEF may request further information or arrange a follow-up meeting to assist the Grants Committee in assessing individual projects.
Guidance
Sub-cover costs may be applied for as part of the project at a maximum rate of £229 per day or £114.50 per half day and should be kept to a minimum proportion of the overall project budget. All expenditure must be clearly linked to the aims of the project.
Single resource items over a value of £100 will not be funded unless specifically requested at application stage. This programme will not fund hospitality, refreshment or residential costs. Unapproved changes to an approved grant may not be reimbursed unless prior approval has been provided by the IEF.
Where a project includes support for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the school's SENCO should be involved in the planning and development of the project from the outset.
Successful projects will be required to submit an end-of-project report outlining activities undertaken, outcomes achieved and the impact on pupils.
For further information please contact Rowanne Swain, Grants Officer.
Email rswain@ief.org.uk or call (028) 9069 4099.
Generously funded by the ARN Foundation.
