An accredited Quality Assurance scheme should be allowed for in the costs as well as the cost associated with supporting providers through the scheme i.e. mentoring. Check whether the QA scheme has an Investors in Children (IiC) award. As a matter of fairness consider setting aside QA funds for providers who are not applying for Sure Start Out of School. If an allowable cost you should make it a term and condition of the grant/contract with the provider that they complete the QA scheme.

Training should be available to the setting as set out in the Sure Start Delivery Guidance 2004-06. If you allow for staff time to access training as an acceptable cost, consider how childcare providers not starting up or expanding have access to funding for staff cover?