Any state-funded primary-phase school in England is eligible to apply for a Nursery Capital Grant of up to £150,000 if they already offer early education. This could be a school with a reception class, for example, who wish to expand their offering, whether this is opening a new nursery classroom or adding places to an existing space.
Am I eligible for the new School-based Nursery Funding?
To apply for the Nursery Capital Grant, you must confirm that your project meets all of the guidelines below:
- You must already offer early years education: the nursery is directly linked to a state-funded primary school which already offers some early education provision, such as a reception class. The nursery provision will be governed by that school or multi-academy trust OR will be delivered in partnership with a PVI or childminder while being housed on school premises.
- You will need to use existing space: the project will repurpose surplus space in the school, to either expand the existing nursery provision or create a new nursery provision.
- You have obtained Local Authority agreement: the local authority Early Years Lead and Pupil Place Planning Lead have been consulted, and the local authority have agreed to the use of surplus space for nursery provision, and with the proposal to add new or expanded nursery provision.
- You are able to use the allocated funds for the project: the project is deliverable with the School-based nursery funding contribution requested, or in combination with additional funding sources from elsewhere. Any additional costs incurred during the process will need to be covered or sourced by the applicant.
- You have freeholder consent: the relevant freehold landowner (such as a local authority, foundation, trust or relevant religious body) has been consulted ahead of completing the application for capital funding to support SBN provision, and the freehold landowner has agreed with the use of their land for nursery provision, and consents to any necessary capital works (where necessary).
Important information about the Nursery Capital Grant:
- The DFE have stated that failure against any one of the eligibility criteria listed above will result in an automatic failure and the remainder of the application not being scored.
- If your project does not meet the eligibility criteria but you are interested in opening a nursery in the future, you should register your interest on the online application service.
How to apply for the new School-based Nursery Funding:
- To apply, you will need to visit the gov.uk website and submit your application via the online application service.
- Further information about the application and informative webinars can be found on the gov.uk website: //www.gov.uk/guidance/school-based-nursery-capital-grant
- The closing date for applications is 19th December 2024 with schools expected to find out if they have been successful in Spring 2025.
How TTS can support you with the SBN Capital Grant:
At TTS, we are known for our innovative, unique resources which enable educators to create nurturing and purposeful play and learning spaces for children of all ages and stages of development.
Our in-house educationalists play a vital role throughout the product development journey, from conception, design and launch to working closely directly with settings to embed best practice and ensure the impact of our resources is felt to the highest level by educators and children alike.
Our cross-curricular resources enable educators to offer inspiring learning and play experiences for children through outstanding and inclusive provision areas.
What do I need to consider when I apply for the Nursery Capital Grant:
When applying for the Schools-based Nursery funding you will need to provide full costings including: resources for your provision, storage and furniture. We can help with this too! Our projects team, with the help of our in-house educationalists, are on hand to support you every step of the way. Whether you are experienced in creating nurturing and purposeful early years environments or not we have the solution for you!
- Through consultation we will gather all the key information such as: the space you have available, your budget and the age and stage of development of the children accessing the space.
- We can then create a mood-board filled with colours and furniture to inspire.
- Next up, it is time for your feedback and through collaboration, together we can refine and approve your style.
- Your vision becomes reality through full design drawings.
- It is all down to us to prepare and package all the products needed to deliver your vision.
- It’s delivery day!
- Get support from our in-house educationalists to ensure your vision is being achieved and you are getting the most from your provision!
This seamless journey nurtures collaboration and builds safe, inspiring and nurturing environments which includes purposeful and engaging provision areas and resources to meet the needs of your children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework and your curriculum.
So why not contact us for the initial consultation today.
What should you consider when creating an early years environment:
When creating an outstanding early years environment there are a few key things to remember, it should:
- Look and feel safe, secure and nurturing, including spaces for quiet, talk and purposeful play and learning.
- Be an inclusive and multi-sensory space.
- Inspire children to learn – offering stimulation and provocation to engage their natural curiosity,
- Be rich with learning opportunities to build children’s knowledge and skills through all areas of development.
- Foster a culture that values and loves learning.
- Create a sense of belonging.
These are some of the key ingredients which will encourage children to flourish and through a variety of different approaches to learning will ensure they become the best they can be.
Some examples of our inspiring early years environments which provide nurturing and purposeful spaces where children from birth to four can explore, learn and grow can be found here Inspiring Early Years from TTS.
