Department for Education · Phase 3
School-Based Nursery
Capital Grant
2027–2030
Up to £325 million in government funding is available to create and expand nursery provision within primary schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Sportsafe can help your project qualify.
Application Window Open
Submit your local authority funding proposal before the deadline
4 Feb – 20 Sep 2026 · 5pm
£325M
Government funding pledged for 2027–2030 across all local authorities
No cap
Per-project amount; local authorities can apply for what is needed to deliver value
Phase 3
Multi-year proposals invited; responds to local need with lasting impact
Eligibility
Who can apply for this grant?
The guidance is aimed at local authorities and partner organisations looking to establish or expand early years provision, with particular focus on underserved communities.
- Local authorities submitting multi-year capital funding proposals
- Representatives of organisations that may benefit from the grant
- Projects targeting areas of socioeconomic disadvantage
- Initiatives supporting children with SEND and harder-to-reach groups
- Nursery provision located within primary or maintained nursery schools
How we can help
Sportsafe supports SBN capital projects
Our early years environments are designed to be educational, play-friendly and grant-aligned — helping your project demonstrate value for money while improving outcomes for children.
Grant-aligned solutions
Our projects are designed to meet the criteria that DfE assesses, value for money, child-centred outcomes, and accessibility for all learners including those with SEND.
Indoor & outdoor environments
From indoor soft-play and sensory zones to all-weather outdoor playground equipment, we create complete, cohesive early years spaces that grow with the school community.
Child-centred by design
Every installation prioritises active play, learning through movement, and inclusive design, helping close the early attainment gap that the SBN programme aims to address.
Safeguarding-ready
All Sportsafe environments meet the highest safety standards, supporting your governance and safeguarding obligations under the SBN programme requirements.
Capital improvement focus
Our installations are tangible capital works, physical improvements to school premises, making them well-suited to capital grant applications and long-term asset value.
Wider school community benefit
Shared outdoor spaces and playgrounds benefit the whole school, strengthening your value-for-money case by supporting children beyond the nursery cohort.
Programme requirements
Why safeguarding matters
All SBN Capital Grant projects must operate to the highest safeguarding and governance standards. This isn’t optional — it is a core condition of participation.
1
Clear safeguarding policies
Projects must have documented, accessible policies that protect children, staff and volunteers at every stage of the programme.
2
Appropriately trained staff
Everyone involved in SBN provision must be suitably trained and DBS-checked, with clear lines of accountability.
3
Robust protective systems
Strong safeguarding practice ensures projects are sustainable, compliant, and deliver the best outcomes for children and families over the long term.
Funding overview
What's available and how to access it
Total Government Pledge
~£325M
Committed across 2027–2030 for the future phases of the School-Based Nursery programme. There is no cap per project — but all proposals must clearly demonstrate value for money.
Key conditions to be aware of
1
Value for money is essential
Every application must justify spend clearly. Strong, evidence-based proposals with quantifiable outcomes are favoured.
2
Deadline is firm: 20 September 2026
Applications submitted after 5pm on this date will not be considered. The window may reopen; check the official guidance for updates.
3
No conflicts of interest
If combining the capital grant with other funding sources, local authorities must ensure there are no conflicts of interest.
4
Located within schools
Provision must be within primary schools or maintained nursery schools, co-location is a programme requirement, not a preference.
Key dates
Application timeline
Plan your submission early — strong applications take time to build and evidence well.
Key dates
Window opens
Applications open for Phase 3 multi-year proposals. Read the full DfE guidance before starting.
Feb – Aug 2026
Prepare & evidence
Build your value for money case, confirm safeguarding arrangements, and consult project partners like Sportsafe.
By 20 Sep 2026
Submit by 5pm
Final deadline. Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
2027–2030
Funding delivered
Successful projects receive capital funding across the three-year programme period to deliver lasting nursery environments.
Get started
Ready to explore what Sportsafe can do for your SBN project?
Our projects team is ready to discuss how our indoor and outdoor installations can strengthen your application and deliver lasting value for your school community.
Or download the full government guidance at GOV.UK →