Rural business strengthens digital support for early years providers with council grant
A rural Test Valley business has expanded its innovative digital platform for early years settings after receiving £19,922 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
Impact Early Years Ltd, based in Awbridge, was awarded the grant to help accelerate the development of its digital platform. The system is designed to give early years providers a single, easy‑to‑use place to collate and monitor essential information about their setting, staff and the children they care for.
The platform has already been shaped by local practitioners, who test new features and give regular feedback. The team’s research showed the tool could save early years staff around 20% of their time by bringing everything into one system. They have recently expanded its functionality to include a feature that helps providers prepare quickly for Ofsted’s initial inspection call.
Impact Early Years works closely with its partner business, Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy, and has continued to grow, now supporting more than 160 early years settings. The funding has helped the business speed up development and invest further in digital innovation, while also creating local employment opportunities.
Founder Vanessa Dooley said: “The Rural England Prosperity Fund Grant has supported the sustainable growth of Impact Early Years, enabling us to invest in innovation that directly benefits early years providers. By strengthening our digital systems, we are better placed to support rural settings to remain compliant, confident, and focused on delivering high-quality care and education for children."
Councillor Alison Johnston, portfolio holder for Climate Emergency and Countryside, said: “Impact Early Years is a brilliant example of a rural business using technology to make a real difference for early years providers across Test Valley and beyond. This funding has helped them build a platform that supports local settings, strengthens the sector and creates new opportunities for innovation and growth in our rural communities.”
The UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that provides capital funding for rural business and rural communities. TVBC received over £150k for 2025-26 which is being distributed between businesses and community organisations across the rural areas of our borough to help develop our rural economy. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
