At Hopscotch, we believe our nurseries play an important role within their local communities. Through Hopscotch for Good, each nursery will receive a yearly community fund to support local causes, projects and initiatives that positively impact children, families and the wider community.
This initiative will continue alongside our wider charity partnerships with Amaze and BrightPIP.
We want Hopscotch nurseries to be visible, active and supportive members of their local communities.
We believe nursery teams are in the best position to identify meaningful local causes and opportunities to make a positive difference.
We would also love this initiative to feel collaborative across the whole nursery team.
Each nursery will receive £1,000 per calendar year.
As the initiative begins on 1 June, each nursery will receive £500 for the remainder of this calendar year.
From January onwards, the full yearly budget will apply.
Nurseries will have autonomy over how this funding is distributed, provided it aligns with the guidance below.
Nursery Managers may approve donations and spending up to £250.
Any donation or commitment above £250 must be approved by a member of the Senior Leadership Team before payment is made.
Where a staff member suggests a cause or organisation, they have a personal connection to - for example, a family member’s fundraiser, a friend’s charity or their child’s school - this connection must be declared before any decision is made and recorded within the donation log.
Support local charities, organisations, schools, events and community initiatives wherever possible.
Funding should support causes connected to inclusion, wellbeing, family support, community and positive impact for children and families.
Where possible, supported organisations should be one of the following:
- A UK registered charity
- A CIC (Community Interest Company)
- A school or educational setting
- A constituted community group or local initiative
If you are unsure whether an organisation is appropriate, please speak to Laura or Jade before proceeding.
We encourage nurseries to discuss ideas during staff meetings and involve staff in choosing causes through suggestions or voting systems.
Nurseries may use part of their budget to support approved fundraising or challenge events, including events raising money for Amaze.
We would love nurseries to share the positive work they are doing within their communities.
Please share updates in newsletters, post updates for parents on Famly and let Jade know about any events or partnerships that could be shared on social media.
Where possible, invite Jade along to capture photos and content.
All photos, videos and shared content must follow Hopscotch’s existing image consent process. No child should appear in shared content unless parental consent has been recorded on Famly. The same expectation applies to any children or families involved through partner organisations.
We will also share updates and community stories on the Hopscotch website.
If a funded organisation will have any direct contact with children through visits, workshops, events or activities, Nursery Managers must complete safeguarding due diligence before the activity takes place.
This includes checking that the organisation has:
- An appropriate safeguarding policy
- DBS-checked staff or volunteers where relevant
- Appropriate insurance cover
Where community events are held on nursery sites or jointly hosted with external organisations, appropriate insurance cover must also be confirmed in advance. Hopscotch will liaise with Genevieve at Morton Michel to ensure existing insurance arrangements appropriately cover community partnership activity where required.
Any concerns or uncertainties should be discussed with Laura or Jade before arrangements are confirmed.
Community funding decisions should be made fairly and without discrimination on protected characteristics, while aiming to reflect the diversity of each nursery community.
Community Fund money must not be used for:
- Political parties or party-political campaigning
- Direct cash donations to individuals
- Organisations that directly compete with Hopscotch
- Activities or organisations that conflict with Hopscotch values
- Any organisation or activity that could create safeguarding, reputational or legal concerns
Religious organisations may be supported where the activity is community-focused and inclusive rather than faith-promoting.
Issue-based campaigns or awareness organisations that are non-party-political should be discussed with Laura or Jade if there is any uncertainty.
Where possible, donations should be made through official fundraising platforms such as:
- JustGiving
- Charity websites
- Official donation pages
For donations above £250, managers must complete a basic due diligence check before payment is made. This should include confirming the organisation’s Charity Commission registration (where applicable) and ensuring donation links or fundraising pages are legitimate.
Nursery credit cards may be used to make approved donations.
Every donation or payment must be recorded within the central Hopscotch for Good donation log, including:
- Date
- Recipient organisation
- Donation amount
- Charity number (where applicable)
- Decision-maker
- Any team involvement or vote
- Transaction reference or receipt
- Any declared conflicts of interest
Anna W will create the central tracking document to ensure records are consistent and auditable.
If you would like support or guidance, please reach out to Laura or Jade.
We will hold regular check-ins for nurseries to share ideas, celebrate successes and showcase how they have used their funding to support their local communities.
We are excited to see the positive impact each nursery makes through Hopscotch for Good.
Laura Minter, Lead Marketing Manager