Funding for the Early Years and Childcare Entitlement
School Based Nurseries
About the Programme
The School Based Nurseries Phase 3 programme aims to support schools in developing or expanding nursery provision to meet the growing demand for early education and childcare places.
The programme supports the continued expansion of funded childcare entitlements for eligible children aged 9 months to 4 years.
Schools are invited to express their interest in delivering additional nursery capacity, creating inclusive learning environments and improving access for local families.
Key Priorities
- Increase local childcare sufficiency
- Support working families with funded places
- Improve school readiness outcomes
- Strengthen SEND inclusive provision
- Create sustainable nursery delivery models
Express your Interest
Schools interested in joining Phase 3 should complete the expression of interest form
Form Fields
- School Name
- Contact Name
- Email Address
- Telephone Number
- Proposed Nursery Provision (number of places creating)
Useful Links
- Establishing School-based Nursery Provision guidance: This document by DfE provides clear guidance for establishing an SBN
- School-based Nursery Capital Grant 2027 to 2030 - GOV.UK This explains the grant process in more detail and what information needs to be gathered as part of the multi-year funding proposal
- Registering and inspecting school-based provision guidance and Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted guidance: These documents provide guidance on the legislative requirements that will help schools, MATs and BSFH delivery partners to determine whether they need to register the early years provision with Ofsted
Case studies -
These examples provide insight and ideas on what might work best for schools: