Pathway Fund Opening Date for Applications


Money - Sterling notes and coins

The Pathway Fund is delighted to announce the opening of three funding streams on Monday 23rd November 2026.

Stream A and Stream B of the Pathway Fund will support registered providers or facilitators of early years (0-4) education and learning provision and Stream C, specifically to support registered childminders and Approved Home Childcarers.

  • Stream A for awards between £20,001 and £40,000
  • Stream B for awards up to £20,000
  • Stream C for awards up to £500

Online Applications will open on Monday 23rd November 2026 and can be accessed via the Early Years website https://www.early-years.org/the-pathway-fund.


Registration for information sessions are now open, further details are included in the flyers below:.

Pathway Fund A&B:  https://bit.ly/4iN548f

Pathway Fund C:  https://bit.ly/4ezk2xu


Funding awards in 2027/28 and 2028/29 will be subject to DE budget availability.

Arrangements for year two (2028/29), and for any future years, will be determined at a later date.


Last Updated: 13/11/2026