DfE funding for expanding 30-hour nursery provisions - Deadline for applications 19 December

A reminder of the deadline of 19 December 2024 for schools planning to apply to DfE for funding for small-scale capital investments for expanding 30-hour nursery provisions in schools that currently have the capacity for nursery-age children.

Please also note that if you wish to apply but do not have a DfE sign-in account (required to access the online application service), you must request an account by 12 December 2024.

Schools can apply for up to £150,000 of capital funding to upgrade surplus space to create or expand on-site nurseries. The Department for Education (DfE) will oversee the allocation of this funding, which is expected to support the creation of spaces is in response to the increase to 30hrs for eligible children aged from 9mths to 36mths in September 2025.

Full details and how to apply

Full details can be found here: School-Based Nursery Capital Grant - GOV.UK

To apply, schools must demonstrate how their proposals will address the needs of their local communities.

Schools are encouraged to refer to the Ealing Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2023.

DfE requirement

Please note the DfE requirement that: “To be eligible for this grant, you must confirm that your local authority is content with the use of surplus space for nursery provision, and in principle is content with you making an application for funding.”

Where a private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector provider is proposed and will require a lease or licence, this would be subject in the usual way to negotiation of terms between the provider, the school and the LA, including length of lease/licence, costs and ability to regain possession of the premises if required, e.g. for statutory provision.

Where significant works are proposed, these may require local authority or land owner approval, and in some cases Building Control and Planning approval.

Interested?

If your school is interested in pursuing this opportunity, please ensure you reach out to Leah Forgacz-Cooper before applying. Leah will liaise with colleagues where further advice and approvals may be required.