School-based Nursery Capital Grant 2027 to 2030

The School-based Nursery Capital Grant 2027 to 2030 helps local authorities create or expand nursery places in schools. This is phase 3 of the programme and focuses on helping disadvantaged families access early years childcare. Local authorities can apply for funding to develop nursery provision across state primary schools, maintained nursery schools, and Best Start Family Hub sites. You need to submit multi-year funding proposals that cover the period 2027 to 2030. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2026. Only local authorities in England can apply directly, though the funding will benefit schools and nurseries in their areas.

This grant is only for local authorities in England. You cannot apply if you are a school, nursery, or other organisation. Local authorities use this funding to create nursery places across primary schools, maintained nursery schools, and Best Start Family Hub sites in their area.

The School-based Nursery (SBN) Capital Grant 2027 to 2030 (phase 3) is a local authority-led delivery model. Local authorities are responsible for developing and submitting multi-year funding proposals that set out plans for creating or expanding SBN provision in their area. These proposals can include projects across state-funded primary schools, maintained nursery schools (MNS), and Best Start Family Hub (BSFH) sites. This is the third phase of the school-based nurseries programme. It builds on the foundations of phase 1 (SBN Capital Grant 2024 to 2025) and phase 2 (SBN Capital Grant 2025 to 2026) and has an increased focus on supporting disadvantaged families to access early years provision.

Local authorities must develop and submit multi-year funding proposals to the Department for Education. Applications must set out plans for creating or expanding school-based nursery provision in your area.