Funding application window opens for Norfolk schools
From 8th May 2023, Norfolk schools are invited to apply for the second wave of multi-year funding designed to help them to open their facilities outside of the normal school day, to allow children & young people and the wider community to access more opportunities to be physically active. We are particularly welcoming expressions of interest from secondary schools and schools with swimming pools.
The Opening Schools Facilities funding is a three-year investment from the Department for Education. Active Norfolk, part of the national Active Partnership network, has been commissioned to manage this fund from 2023-2025.
Joel Matthews, Children and Young People Strategic Lead at Active Norfolk, commented: “Schools play a vital role in keeping young people active. Last year we worked with 29 schools on their delivery plans and look forward to further exciting conversations with schools this year. We urge school leaders to get in touch with us, we can provide application support and help identify areas of need for pupils, as well as talk about our wider, Sport England funded offer of support”.
How much funding is available and what is it for?
We’ll be welcoming funding applications between £5,000-£10,000 through this scheme. There is a three year programme, and your school could receive the approved funding amount for each year.
The funding can be used for a variety of things, but is primarily aimed to:
- Encourage schools to offer up physical activity opportunities outside normal school hours (e.g. evenings, weekends and holidays).
- Increase swimming activities taking place both during and outside the school day.
It can also be used for other things such as coaches fees & expenses, booking systems, equipment hire and more.
Who can apply?
The funding is for schools in Norfolk. If you’re a decision maker in your school, please do get in touch to see how we can help you.
The funding aims to target the four identified key groups and encourage them to participate in more physical activity:
- People from lower socioeconomic communities
- Disabled people and those with long term health conditions
- Women and girls
- People from culturally diverse communities
Through using the funding amount wisely, we hope to benefit not only the above groups, but a whole host of communities who could benefit from taking part in more physical activity.
How do I apply?
We are now accepting applications for year two of funding. All applications should be in by June 19th, 2023.
To get started, visit our funding page below and read the criteria for funding. Once you’re ready to start your application, you can get in touch through this page. One of our locality officers will then be able to help you through an application and advise on the next steps.