The Inclusive Environments Capital Fund has been established by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to help mainstream early years settings, schools and post-16 providers make physical improvements that strengthen inclusion for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
This one-off capital funding programme provides grants of up to £15,000 to support projects that improve buildings, outdoor spaces and learning environments, helping settings remove barriers to participation and increase their capacity to support pupils with additional needs.
Before you start
Please ensure you have read the fund protocol and checked that your proposal meets the eligibility criteria. The fund is intended for capital projects only and cannot be used for staffing, training, maintenance works or other revenue costs.
You may wish to apply for projects such as:
- Sensory or calming spaces
- Breakout, intervention or re-regulation areas
- Accessible outdoor learning environments
- Inclusive toilet and changing facilities
- Acoustic improvements
- Wayfinding and accessibility enhancements
- Adaptations that improve inclusion and access for pupils with SEND
What you will need to complete this application
To support the assessment of your proposal, please have the following information ready:
- A description of the project and the need it addresses
- Evidence of the anticipated impact on children and young people with SEND
- Quotations for the proposed works or equipment
- Details of any match funding or additional funding sources
- Evidence of engagement with pupils, families or other stakeholders where appropriate
- Information about any environmental benefits or sustainability considerations
- Details of how you will measure the success of the project once completed
Please note: Applications should be completed by a senior leader or another member of staff with appropriate authority to commit the setting to the proposed project. Supporting documents will be required as part of the submission.