Apply for a school-based nursery capital grant

This service is for:

• local authorities to submit phase 3 proposals
• schools to view previous submitted phase 1 or 2 nursery applications

Local authorities can apply for phase 3

Local authorities can use this service to submit a funding proposal, setting out project plans for new or expanded school-based nurseries in their area.

Read the guidance on the School-based nursery capital grant 2027 to 2030 (link opens in new tab) before applying.

Before you start

You need a DfE Sign-in account to use this service.

Prepare a separate project plan for every school-based nursery (SBN) you want to create or expand.

Local authorities can put forward any number of school-based nursery projects within this area. Use the template funding proposal form (link opens in new tab) to gather the necessary information for each project ahead of applying for funding.

If you are a school

Individual schools cannot apply for the phase 3 grant. Schools must contact their local authority if they are interested in creating or expanding a nursery. Read the guidance on establishing school-based nursery provision (link opens in new tab).

Phase 1 and 2 applications

Applications for phase 1 and 2 have now closed, and successful applications have been announced here (link opens in a new tab). Sign into the service to view and download previous submitted applications.

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