The government’s school-based nursery funding is fantastic news for expanding early years education. With up to £150,000 available through the School-Based Nurseries Capital Grant 2024 to 2025 (as highlighted by GOV.UK), schools can create or expand nursery provision using existing space.
What is the School-Based Nurseries Capital Grant for?
This grant allows primary schools in England to create safe and stimulating nursery spaces within their buildings. It’s designed to increase the availability of high-quality childcare for young children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Who Can Apply?
The grant is open to state-funded primary-phase schools in England, to create or expand nursery facilities within existing primary school buildings.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
Here’s where things get exciting! The grant can be used for a variety of purposes to create your ideal nursery environment, including:
- Construction and refurbishment: This covers adapting existing classrooms or buildings to create dedicated nursery space.
- Essential fixtures and fittings: This includes sinks, toilets, and storage solutions specifically sized for young children.
- project team Technical Advisor fees and survey costs
- Improving outdoor spaces such as playgrounds:
- Play Equipment: Investing in age-appropriate equipment to promote learning and development.
- Safety surfacing: Here’s where we come in! We offer a range of safety surfacing solutions perfect for outdoor play areas within your new nursery.
What Can’t the Grant Be Used For?
While the grant provides flexibility, some items are excluded:
- Salaries for teachers, practitioners, and support staff
- Utility bills (e.g. electricity, water, heating)
- Ofsted registration fees (where relevant)
- General teaching materials and nursery supplies
- Routine maintenance
- General day-to-day administrative costs.
How to Apply
Applications for the School-Based Nurseries Capital Grant are made online through the government portal.
You must submit your application, including all supporting documents, by midday on 19 December 2024.
Guidance for the application can be found here.
Maximising Safety with Playground Surfacing
Now, let’s talk about safety surfacing! While the grant can’t cover educational toys, it can be used to create a safe and stimulating play environment. This is where Billy Bounce comes in.
As safety surfacing specialists, we offer a range of solutions to meet the specific needs of your new nursery. We can help you choose the right type of surfacing based on:
- Critical fall height: This determines the thickness of surfacing needed to absorb impact from falls.
- Play activities: Different activities require different levels of impact absorption.
- Age group: Younger children typically need softer surfacing than older ones.
- Aesthetics: We offer a variety of colours and designs to create a fun and engaging play space.
Investing in Safety is an Investment in Your Nursery’s Future
By prioritising safety surfacing, you’re not just complying with regulations; you’re creating a space where children can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.
Contact our team today to discuss your project and find the perfect safety solution to maximise your grant and your young learners’ experience.
Free same-day, no-obligation estimates
Trusted 30-year track record
Experienced, flexible installation teams
