School-based nurseries: funding round 2

The Department for Education has announced the second round of school-based nursery funding. This phase will prioritise schools serving some of the most disadvantaged communities.

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 additional places in the local area and that the proposal would not impact sufficiency of school places now or in the future.

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

Please complete our school-based nursery proposal – LA consultation form, and return it to SBN@devon.gov.uk by 6 November. Devon County Council cannot consider applications sent after this date.

If you are working with a private or voluntary sector provider, this could be an opportunity for them to grow their business. One of the barriers to providing childcare in Devon is the availability of suitable buildings. Schools may welcome and benefit not only from an onsite feeder setting but also from the rent they receive! Parents will find it a convenient option for childcare.

Did you know?

• There are 306 primary or infant schools in Devon, and two Nursery Schools
  • 166 with school nurseries plus the two nursery schools
  • 37 with governor run provision
  • 33 with a 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.

A new webpage School based nurseries – Information for childcare providers will be populated with information that will support you to make an application. Please use the SBN@devon.gov.uk mailbox if you have any questions.