£20,000 cash grant available to early years settings

Nurseries and preschools are being given the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £20,000 to be used for educational purposes.

Tots channel Nick Jr, have launched the Help Dora Help initiative, to raise awarness of the need for exploration in children’s play.

The campaign is being supported by The Princes Foundation for Children and the Arts.

Nurseries and pre-schools can apply for a free Help Dora Help Activity Pack and Award Fund at www.nickjr.co.uk.

The pack contains educational activity resources following the  Early Years Foundation Stage development goals and the details to apply for a grant of up to £20,000.

There will also be the opportunity for the nurseries to be featured on Nick Jr.

MD of Nickelodeon UK, Tina McCann said: “As a broadcaster dedicated to offering pre-school audiences the best entertaining and educational content, we’re delighted to continue our support of pre-school education in the community with Help Dora Help. The campaign mirrors the very essence of what Dora the Explorer and Nick Jr. offer children – early years development and personal discovery.”

The closng date for applications is 22 July 2011.