This grant offers up to £150,000 to help state-funded primary schools repurpose unused space for nursery provision If you have unused classrooms and want to expand early years education, this guide will walk you through the application process step by step The deadline to apply is 11 December 2025
Beforeyou start,makesure yourschool iseligible.
Who can apply?
Your school must be a state-funded primary-phase school in England already offering some early education (e g , reception class)
Space Requirements
You need surplus space (empty classrooms or unused areas in your building).
Project Timetable
You should plan for the nursery to be open in the 2026-2027 academic year
If you meet these requirements, you ' re good to go!
“Children arrive excited to learn in this very inviting nursery. Children are warmly greeted by staff, who are highly responsive to their needs.” Ofsted Report for Peapods
You can apply for up to £150,000 to make your project happen. This funding covers capital expenditure, which means:
Converting or refurbishing unused space.
Buying nursery furniture.
Important: The grant cannot be used for day-to-day costs like staff salaries, or utility bills.
Bookaconsultationcallwithustodaysowecan help you prepare.
Beforeapplying, talk toyourEarlyYears Lead and Pupil Place Planning Lead They need to support your plan to convert unused space into a nursery.
03.Plan Your Project
Make sure the space you ' re proposing is suitable for nursery use Think about: The condition of the building Accessibility
Creating a welcoming, child-friendly environment.
If your school is on rented or leased land, you’ll need permission from the landowner (e g , local council, trust, religious authority).
Check Statutory Requirements
You'll need to make sure your project follows all the necessary planning permissions and building regulations. If you ' re not sure what's needed, get advice from your local authority early on
Step 1: Register Your Interest
If you ' re thinking about applying but aren’t quite ready, you can register your interest on the online application service
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
When you’re ready to apply, make sure you have these documents:
Site and floor plans showing the space you ' re converting Photos of the areas you’ll work on.
Cost estimates and quotes for the work needed.
A timeline for the project, from planning to opening day
Step 3: Submit Your Application Online
You must submit everything through the online application service by midday, 11 December 2025. Be sure to allow extra time for any technical issues, and don’t wait until the last minute.
“The passionate staff team has created a wonderfully warm and supportive environment in which children and their personal development are at the heart of everything they do.”
Ofsted Report for Peapods
1.ShowThere’s a LocalNeed
Your application willneedtodemonstratethatthere’sdemandfornurseryplacesinyour area Consider:
Talking to local parents
Working with your local authority to show how the nursery will benefit the community.
2. Make Sure It’s Financially Sustainable
The Department for Education wants to see that your nursery will be sustainable in the long run You'll need to:
Show how you will staff the nursery.
Ensure you can cover any ongoing costs (like staffing and supplies) once the nursery is open.
01 What Happens Next?
You’ll hear back in Spring 2026 about whether yourapplication wassuccessful
If you’re successful, you’ll receive details about when and how the funding will be provided
02. GettingtheWorkDone
Once you receivethegrant, your project needs to be completedby 31 March 2027
Make sure to:
Stick to your budget
Keep track of progress and any issues that arise
Provide updates to the Department for Education if requested.
“Children are given a voice to make choices throughout the day Their confidence is promoted within the nursery, which helps to promote children's individual responsibility.”
Ofsted Report for Peapods
Peapods Early Learning Centre can help you make it happen! With years of experience in early years education, Peapods can guide you through the process, saving you time and ensuring your nursery is a success.
Are you ready to unlock the potential of your school’s unused spaces and set up a nursery that meets the needs of your community?
Find out how Peapods can help transform your space into a thriving nursery. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and see how we can work together.