School-Based Nursery Capital Grant

Have you heard about the £150,000 government grant or school-based nurseries?!

What is the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant?

This grant, announced by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, is part of the government’s effort to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality early education. By funding the creation or expansion of school-based nurseries, the grant seeks to fill gaps in childcare provision, particularly in underserved areas.

As Phillipson explains:

“All children should have the opportunity of a brilliant early education, no matter who they are, where they’re from or how much their parents earn. New school-based nurseries will provide thousands of additional places where they are needed most.”

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the grant, your school must meet the following criteria:

• Be a state-funded primary-phase school already offering early years education.
• Have surplus space within the school that can be repurposed for nursery use.
• Receive support from your local authority and consent from relevant stakeholders.
• Commit to having the nursery operational by the 2025/26 academic year.

How Much Can Schools Receive?

Schools can bid for funding of up to £150,000, but they are also able to use additional funding sources alongside this.

How to Apply?

To secure funding, follow these steps:

1. Register for a DfE sign-in account by December 12th, 2024.
2. Complete the application form, ensuring all required information and documents are included.
3. Submit your application by midday on December 19th, 2024.

Visit the official portal here to start your application: Home – Apply for a School-Based Nurseries Capital Grant

When Will Results Be Announced?

Schools will be notified of the outcome in Spring 2025. Successful applicants will receive a grant letter and can begin their projects, with all funding to be spent by March 31, 2027.

Why Should Schools Apply?

Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the NAHT, emphasises the importance of school-based nurseries:

“It makes sense that where there is spare capacity in schools and demand in the local area, that the government looks to expand school-based provision.”

Expanding your nursery provision not only supports families in your community but also strengthens your school’s role in fostering early education.

How Precision Timber and Precision Commercial Interiors Can Help

A well-designed learning environment is key to a successful nursery. Precision Timber specialises in creating innovative and creative outdoor play areas, ensuring they meet all EYFS learning goals. Precision Commercial Interiors complements this by providing comprehensive interior renovations, from plumbing and joinery to electrical work and project management. Together, they can help transform your space into a thriving nursery environment.

Don’t Miss the Deadline!

The deadline to apply for the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant is fast approaching. Ensure you create your DfE account by December 12th and submit your application by December 19th, 2024.

This is a golden opportunity to expand your school’s impact on early years education—don’t let it pass you by!