We understand that looking into funding streams for immersive classrooms can be time consuming, especially for educators. You just don’t have the time. You’re busy teaching and shaping futures and you keep writing to do lists that include researching different funding avenues but something always comes up. Well, if this is the case and you’ve been considering an investment in immersive technology, we’ve done all the hard work for you.
While navigating the world of government grants can be quite daunting and massively time consuming, there are a range of different funding streams available to mainstream educational providers at every level. These include charities, foundations and even media-backed entities that are all determined to make a real difference to the lives and future prospects of children and young people. And the good news is – we’ve curated a complete list of every funding stream available!
But first…
What is an immersive classroom and why should you consider the investment?
Immersive classrooms are what the Department of Education is naming ‘the classroom of the future’. Unlike the traditional classroom set up, an immersive room is made up of interactive walls and floors, providing students with a multi-sensory, fully interactive space that immerses every individual in their learning environment. Content is brought to life through realistic virtual and augmented reality and atmospherics, such as LED lighting, surround sound and wind and aroma machines. All of this works together to create an immersive experience where even the impossible is possible.
Recognising that children and young people learn best through experience, immersive technology brings subjects to life as a way of improving engagement and creating positive learning experiences. Whether it’s walking onto Dunkirk beach with the smell of gunpowder blowing through your hair, or stepping off a space craft and exploring the moon – everything is possible with this technology.
What financial assistance do we offer?
We understand that an immersive classroom is a big investment, especially in today’s climate where budgets are stretched and funding seems scarce. This is why we always work with you to come up with payment options that suit your budget and your project. As an example, with a 25% deposit, we may look to spread the cost of your immersive space across three equal monthly instalments.
Further to this, if you’re considering crowdfunding for part of or the entirety of your project, we have an experienced marketing team on hand who will be happy to help you set up a crowd funding campaign and generate ideas for raising money.
Funding streams for SEN settings
There are a wide range of funding options available for SEN settings and specialist units within mainstream education that cater for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Firstly, your options include government funding, such as Pupil Premium. Despite the funding being linked to the socioeconomic disadvantages of a pupil, pupil premium grants can be used by special schools, special educational needs units within mainstream schools and pupil referral units to support individual pupils and entire class interventions.
Further to this, a wide range of charities and funding foundations offer funding and match funding from £250 – £500,000 for technology that helps advance education for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
To view our full list of funding avenues for SEN, contact our team and request your full list of funding streams!
Funding streams for Early Years and Primary Education
Aside from government grants, such as Pupil Premium, there is a range of grants available for Early Years and Primary Education, particularly if some students are from disadvantaged backgrounds or have special educational needs and/or disabilities.
These grants typically range from £1,000 – £100,000 and are focused on projects that improve educational outcomes, reduce exclusions, boost attendance and close the gap between high socioeconomic backgrounds and success.
To view our full list of funding avenues for Early Years and Primary Education, contact our team and request your full list of funding streams!
Funding streams for secondary schools and sixth form colleges
Capital Funding from the Department of Education can help cover some and maybe even all of the cost of immersive classrooms for secondary schools and sixth form colleges. However, as your capital budget has to cover the entirety of your school or college, it may be that you need an additional grant to match-fund your project.
Many charities and foundations have open doors for secondary schools and sixth form colleges to apply for whole grants and match funding. Eligible projects however must enhance future prospects, build skills and lead to equal opportunities, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
To view our full list of funding avenues for secondary schools and sixth form colleges, contact our team and request your full list of funding streams!
Conclusion
Navigating the world of funding for a large-scale project can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re exploring advancing technologies such as immersive classrooms. However, if you’re considering purchasing an immersive space with us, you will be given an account manager who will guide you through each step of the project and will be your point of call for any questions you may have, including funding.
To discuss your requirements and explore your funding options, contact our team today and they will talk you through every step of the process.