School-Based Nursery (SBN) Capital Grant 25 – 26
How Creative Play Can Help You Secure Funding Before December’s Deadline
Secure Your SBN Grant With Creative Play’s Free Expert Quote
The UK government has launched phase 2 of its School-Based Nursery (SBN) initiative, aiming to share £370 million in funding to develop school nurseries. Primary schools in England can apply for up to £150,000 of capital funding, but applications close on 11 December 2025.
Funding is available for schools already providing some form of early years education and want to create or expand their SBN (schools that received funding from phase one are not eligible). Spending is limited to those creating or expanding nursery provisions. Unlike phase 1, the use of surplus space is not a requirement.
To help develop outdoor play, the grant can be spent on a range of developments for the enhancement of outdoor play spaces, including the installation of external canopies.
As part of the application process, you will need to provide a quotation.
Creative Play guarantees you’ll get a tailored quote by Friday 5th December, provided you book a consultation scheduled before November 6th. Slots are limited, so secure your consultation today to make the most of this funding opportunity!
This guide covers eligibility requirements and outlines the entire grant process, helping you unlock this opportunity with ease.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Unlock Up To £150,000 In Funding For A School-Based Nursey
The EYFS statutory framework mandates that School-Based Nurseries must ensure children have access to an outdoor play area. Our EYFS expertise can help you design an outdoor play environment that supports the developmental outcomes promoted by the grant, while maximising the value of your investment.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Are you a state-funded primary school in England wanting to create or expand existing nursery provisions by the 2026-27 academic year?
Funding is available to the following nursery setups – pending they meet the SBN qualifying criteria:
- Nursery classes integrated within the primary school
- Units overseen by school governors or academy trusts
- Private, voluntary, or independent nurseries operating on school grounds through a contractual agreement
ESSENTIAL! Before getting in touch with us CHECK THE GOVERNMENT SBN PAGE THAT YOU QUALIFY FOR THE GRANT
Step 2: Book A Free Consultation
Schedule a visit from Creative Play to assess your space and goals.
Step 3: Meet Application Requirements
Include a detailed quote from Creative Play with your application.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete the government application by the deadline – it is recommended you login at least 5 days beforehand to start the process.
Key Details Of The SBN Grant
WHY? The purpose of the grant is to expand early years education opportunities within primary schools and enhance local access to early years education in the most deprived areas.
WHO? To be eligible you must be a state-funded primary school in England already providing some form of early education provision.
CHECK ELIGIBILITY: Government Document Establishing School-Based Nursery Provision.
HOW TO APPLY? Application is via the Government website (Department for Education Online Portal).
QUOTE: When applying for the grant you will need to state what the funding is for by providing a quotation for the work – Creative Play are happy to provide you with a quote for playground equipment in time for the application deadline (11th December).
Important Dates:
6th November – Last chance for a consultation visit from Creative Play.
5th December – We guarantee your quote by this date so you can apply in time.
11th December – Department of Education grant Application deadline (they advise you log-in to the portal and start it at least 5 days in advance).
September 2026 – Expansion of nursery must be operational (there may be exceptions – consult official guidelines).
Get Expert Guidance And A Free Quote To Support Your Funding Application
Creative Play specialises in EYFS outdoor spaces that inspire creativity, social skills, and physical development in young children. With 30+ years in the industry, we fully understand early years educational goals and work closely with schools to create engaging outdoor environments that fit specific learning outcomes and spatial needs.
By booking a consultation, you’ll receive expert advice on designing a play area that aligns with your vision and maximises grant funding.
Creative Play's Services
- Free In-Depth Consultation: Our no-obligation consultation dives deep into your nursery’s goals and physical space to provide a quote tailored specifically for your grant application.
- Grant Maximisation: We help you make informed decisions to get the most value from your grant, optimising the layout and features of your outdoor area.
- Installation And Long-Term Support: We are a well-established playground company with a long list of accreditations in industry best practices, safety and quality. From installation to maintenance, our team provides ongoing support to ensure your play space remains a safe and engaging environment.
Equipment To Support Your Nursery Application:
1. Sensory Play Equipment
Supports learning through touch and interactive elements.
2. Imaginative Play Equipment
Encourages role play to develop social and communication skills.
3. Active Play Equipment
Promotes physical development through movement, building both fine and gross motor skills.
4. Outdoor Classrooms
Expand learning beyond the classroom with shelters, canopies, and seating for real-world exploration.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage Projects
At Creative Play, we’ve helped nurseries across the UK create exciting EYFS outdoor spaces where children can learn, explore, and have fun.
From imaginative role-play areas and sensory zones to active play equipment, every project is designed to support early development while making outdoor play more engaging and enjoyable.
Check out more EYFS outdoor play spaces and get inspired for your next nursery project.
Westfield Community Primary School, Wolverhampton
Colourful wetpour safety surfacing radically transformed this school yard into an inviting, fun imaginative space for EYFS children, with patterns suggesting a road (with crossings!), a river, and multi-colour, multipurpose numbers. An early years water wall provides sensory stimulation, while a mini mound tunnel and sail shade offer easier engagements.
Welholme Academy, Lincolnshire
When it comes to outdoor play, this school is heavily focused on role-play and expression. This meant installing a storytelling chair, stage backdrop, a playhouse, a teepee playhouse, chalk board, and messy table areas. Sensory items include a timber sandbox and early years water wall, while a shed and storage bench offer practical space solutions.
Sandycroft County Primary School, Deeside
With an impressive timber castle already delighting older children, the school sought an equally inspiring EYFS outdoor space. Younger pupils can explore imaginative play aboard a midi ship, at a town shop play panel, in planters and a digging allotment, or within a teepee and construction-themed playhouse.
Ready to secure funding for your nursery’s outdoor space?
Secure the funding you need to create an inspiring and inclusive play space for your nursery. Schedule a consultation with Creative Play to ensure you have everything in place for a successful application before the deadline.
Remember: Final consultation visits are available only until Friday, November 29th, so book early to secure your quote in time for application.