School-Based Nursery Capital Grant Now Available.

There is now a School-Based Nursery Capital Grant available for eligible state-funded primary-phase schools in England.

Schools can bid for up to £150,000 of funding to use for capital expenditure to:

• convert spare space within school buildings into a new nursery.
• expand an existing nursery.

The grant cannot be used for any of the following:

• to upgrade existing nursery provision without adding new childcare places.
• for new builds on spare land.
• for extension projects which do not also include the use of existing spare space in the school building.

This is the first stage in a long-term commitment to expand school-based nurseries across England.

Who can apply

Applications for grant funding are open to state-funded primary-phase schools in England that already offer some early education, such as a reception class. Projects must use surplus space in the school building. The grant cannot be used for new builds on school land.

Maintained nursery schools, special schools and pupil referral units (PRUs) cannot apply for this grant because they do not have spare space created by declining primary school rolls. They are, however, encouraged to register their interest in opening new nursery places in the future. This will help inform future development of the programme.

To qualify, your project must meet all the eligibility criteria within the application. This includes securing support from your local authority and obtaining consent from your landlord or relevant freehold landowner where necessary. We will evaluate applications that meet the eligibility criteria against the assessment criteria detailed in the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant 2024 to 2025 guidance.

For more information about this grant and how to apply – visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/school-based-nursery-capital-grant#who-can-apply

Applications need to be submitted by mid-day on the 19th December 2024.