School enrichment opportunities: funding

What the funding is for

£2 million of funding is available for local authorities to help support schools by providing enrichment opportunities for learners. 

This includes engaging in social, cultural, creative and physical activities and experiences outside of formal learning, including play. This could be in and around the school day and (or) during school breaks.

The funding is available to enable schools to:

• provide a suite of age-appropriate activities and opportunities for learners registered at each school
• support provision of activities with a focus on encouraging attendance and tackling disaffection and (or) disengagement
• support activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through increased access to creative, sporting and cultural experiences in English and Welsh, including opportunities to play
• support equality of access for learners, this may mean tailoring or increasing some services to address inherent disadvantages or to ensure activities are inclusive and available to all learners at the school
• support provision in and around the school day and (or) during school breaks, as appropriate
• help schools become hubs for their communities, not just places for education
• support partnerships with volunteering organisations, local charities, faith groups and community organisations, and ensure that communities can thrive as centres of social exchange, leisure, sport and culture
• fund existing or new initiatives (which can be delivered by a range of internal or third-party providers)
• offset any previously incurred costs (in the timescale set out in guidance) that schools have incurred when delivering similar provision
• funding the purchase of consumables and the provision of third-party delivery partners and support for school-based delivery partners

Local authorities can determine how to use the funding in line with these areas of activity and funding is made available via the Local Authority Education Grant (LAEG).

Delivery partners

Schools and settings may wish to work with delivery partners, including (but not limited to):

• local authorities
• education providers
• cultural activities providers (for example drama, music, art)
• youth services
• childcare and play work providers
• family services
• sports and leisure providers

Further information

For more information, please contact us on: Schools.enrichmentandengagement@gov.wales.