Our Work > Early Years Provision > Growing Together Programme
Growing Together
Strengthening community-based early years provision, opportunity and life chances
Growing Together is a programme designed to strengthen access to high-quality early years provision within communities across the North West and North Coast.
We focus on the earliest stages of life, recognising that early childhood support is one of the most effective ways to improve long-term outcomes for children, families and communities.
This programme invests in community-based early years provision, helping to build stronger foundations for the future.
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What this programme is about
Growing Together is focused on improving access, quality and resilience in early years provision, particularly in areas experiencing disadvantage.
The programme supports work that strengthens provision at a community level, helping organisations to deliver better outcomes for children and families while building long-term capacity across the early years sector.
Who can apply
This programme is designed for organisations delivering community and voluntary early years provision.
- This includes organisations that:
- provide early years support within community settings
- are rooted in and connected to the communities they serve
- support children and families outside of statutory education provision
The programme focuses on community-based provision rather than statutory school settings, recognising the distinct role that community organisations play in supporting children and families at the earliest stages of life.
- What we are seeking to support
We are looking to support projects and organisations that contribute to one or more of the following areas:
- improving access to early years provision, particularly in under served or disadvantaged communities
- strengthening the quality of provision, including inclusive practice and support for children with additional needs
- developing the early years workforce through training, leadership and professional development
- building the resilience of community-based providers, including organisational capacity and sustainability
We are particularly interested in work that is rooted in place, responds to real local need and contributes to stronger, more connected early years provision over time.
- What we do not support
There are some types of activity that this programme is unlikely to support.
- This includes projects that:
- do not align with the programme’s focus on community-based early years provision
- do not demonstrate a clear community need or benefit
- fall outside the areas we serve
How applications are considered
We look for applications that clearly explain:
- what the project will do
- why it is needed
- who it will benefit
- what difference it will make over time
We are interested in work that is well thought through, grounded in real need and capable of delivering meaningful impact.
- Application guidance
Before applying, we recommend reviewing the guidance on preparing your application and ensuring your project aligns with this programme’s focus on community-based early years provision.
Building stronger early years provision
Growing Together is designed not only to support individual projects, but to strengthen the wider early years ecosystem over time.
By investing in people, organisations and partnerships, the programme contributes to a more resilient, connected and effective early years sector — supporting better outcomes for children and families now and in the future.