DfE School Based Nursery Capital Grants Phase 2

The Government bidding round for capital grants in Phase 2 of their School Based Nurseries (SBN) Initiative is now open and runs until 11 December 2025. 

The DfE is running a webinar at 10 am on Thursday 16 October – if interested please book your place.  

Phase 2 invites bids from primary and nursery schools creating new or extended funded early years places to meet local need, with grants of up to £150,000. Schools can work in partnership with a pvi provider or run the provision themselves. 

• Places which support access to nursery for disadvantaged families are a key aim for this phase of SBN. 

Information on eligibility, how to apply and key criteria is available at School-based Nursery Capital Grant 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK. If you’ve read the information and want to apply, you’ll need LA approval. 

Please email school.planning@oxfordshire.gov.uk including ‘SBN Phase 2’ in the subject title. 

We will send you a Teams form link to collect the information we need. The deadline for expressions of interest forms is Monday 3rd November at midday. The Council is particularly keen to learn of schools wishing to provide extended hours early years care (8am-5.30pm and/or holiday care) and/or funded places for 9-23 month and 2-year old children