Grant funding is available towards some training courses. The funding is subject to regular reviews and may be amended according to availability. The following training courses will be eligible for funding:

• Levels 1- 5 early years training courses listed as ‘full and relevant’ on the Department for Education website. This includes the Foundation Degree in Early Years. Please note: courses that will no longer be running or moving to the new Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF)  by the end of 2011 may not be funded.

Who is eligible?

To find out if you are eligible and details of what we do and don't fund read the funding policy document (.pdf format, 51Kb) for full details.

Funding for early years, childcare and playwork qualifications at levels 1-3

Following a tender process for the delivery of early years, childcare and playwork qualifications for Oxfordshire County Council, staff wishing to apply for grant funding for training will now need to apply through the following providers:

• Early Years and Childcare qualifications at levels 1, 2 and 3 Adult Learning telephone 01865 797578 or 07770 585 698, email wfd.al@oxfordshire.gov.uk Grant funding is available at 75% for levels 2 and 3 and approximately 85% for level 1.
• Playwork qualifications levels 1, 2 and 3 Oxfordshire Play Association telephone 01865 779474, email trainingofficer@oxonplay.org.uk website: www.oxonplay.org.uk  Grant funding is available at 80% for all levels. 
• Childminder Registration Certificate (CRC) for ‘targeted’ places only: TRIO Childcare Connections telephone 01793 608833, email info@triochildcare.co.uk, website: www.triochildcare.co.uk Full course cost of £109.50 paid.

As from  1 January 2012  funded places are no longer available with alternative providers.

Foundation degree in early years level 5

We will be continuing to provide grants towards the Foundation Degree in Early Years for the year 2012-13. Funding details will be finalised by the end of March 2012. Universities may have different fee structures so we advise you contact your chosen provider to get further details on course fees.

For further information on grant funding please contact the Quality and Intervention team on 0845 604 23 46 option 4 or email childcare.training@oxfordshire.gov.uk

How to apply

Before you apply read the funding policy document (.pdf format, 53Kb) and then complete and return the application form (pdf format, 34Kb).

If you require any further help please call the childcare training helpline on 0845 604 23 46 (option 4) or email childcare.training@oxfordshire.gov.uk.