School based nurseries: funding round 2

Posted on 11 September 2025 in News and updates

This post is for all early years providers and not just for schools:

The Department for Education (DFE) has announced the next round of school-based nursery funding. Government delivers thousands more school-based nursery places – GOV.UK

The application window for schools opens on September 22 and closes on December 11th.

We encourage all primary and nursery schools to review their location situation and consider applying for this grant as capital funding of up to £150,000 for early years growth is not routinely available. This presents a great opportunity.

Schools can expand existing nursery provision, set up a new nursery or work in partnership with another provider who can deliver early years provision from the school site.

Devon County Council must be involved with the planning to ensure there is a need for the places and that the development would not have a negative impact on plans for school places.

If you are a private or voluntary sector provider, please speak with your local school/or schools to start a discussion. This could be an opportunity for you to grow your business. One of the barriers to providing childcare in Devon is the availability of suitable buildings. School may welcome your approach and benefit not only from an onsite feeder setting but also from the rent they receive!

Here is some data to put you in the picture:

There are 306 primary/infant schools in Devon

  • 166 with school nurseries
  • 37 with governor run provision
  • 33 with private or voluntary sector settings on site
  • 70 without any Early Years provision on site

Points for consideration:

  • Most of Devon needs more places for babies
  • The main demand is for all year-round provision
  • Schools can reach out to providers and providers can approach schools about working together
  • You can open for longer hours, more weeks and increase the number of children you admit
  • You can start taking younger children
  • You can remodel existing unused space, build an extension, erect a new building

For more information visit the DfE website Establishing school-based nursery provision – GOV.UK

Further information will be available soon.