Applications Now Open: Phase 2 School-Based Nursery Capital Grant

The Department for Education has officially opened applications for Phase 2 of the school-based nursery capital grant programme. With £45 million in funding available, eligible schools can transform their schools through quality early years provision.

• Funding Available: £45 million total pot
• Individual Grants: Up to £150,000 per successful application
• Target: 300+ new or expanded nurseries
• Places Created: Up to 7,000 additional nursery places
• Operational Date: September 2026

Application Requirements

Based on Phase 1 outcomes and the updated guidance, successful applications will need to demonstrate:

• Clear evidence of local demand for nursery places
• Detailed project plans with realistic timelines for September 2026 opening
• Local authority support secured before application
• Landlord/freehold owner consent where required
• Compliance with all statutory requirements for early years provision

Strong Assessment Evidence

• Robust financial planning with competitive quotations
• Effective use of existing school space
• Community consultation evidence where applicable
• Clear operational plans, whether delivered internally or through partnerships

With applications closing on 11 December 2025, now is the time to start planning if you haven’t already. If you can’t apply for Phase 2 but interested in future phases, your school can register their interest through the online application service from 22 September to 11 December 2025. This ensures you’ll be well-positioned for the next phase.

How Munday & Cramer Can Support Your Success

At Munday & Cramer, we understand that a successful grant application requires more than just good intentions. With over 40 years of experience in the education sector, our team can provide the expertise needed to maximise your chances of success:

Strategic Assessment We’ll help evaluate your school’s readiness and potential, ensuring your application aligns with both the funding criteria and your long-term educational vision.

Application Excellence Our specialists will guide you through every aspect of the application process, from initial planning through to final submission, ensuring your proposal demonstrates clear need, viability, and deliverability.

Project Implementation For successful applicants, we provide ongoing support through the implementation phase, helping ensure your project delivers on time and within budget for the September 2026 target.

Financial Planning Support We’ll help you develop robust cost plans and secure competitive quotations that demonstrate value for money – a key assessment criterion.

Don’t Miss The Opportunity

Applications are open now, but with the 11 December deadline approaching fast, early preparation is essential. Whether you’re expanding existing provision or creating something entirely new, the time to act is now.

Ready to Transform Your Community?

Contact Munday & Cramer today to discuss how we can support your Phase 2 application. With our proven expertise and your vision for early years excellence, together we can help secure the funding that will benefit families in your community for years to come.

The application window closes at 5pm on 11 December 2025 – don’t miss your chance to be among the next 300 schools to benefit from this funding grant programme.