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Government Announces Funding for First 300 School-Based Nurseries

Government Announces Funding for First 300 School-Based Nurseries

Last autumn(2024), the UK government announced an exciting initiative to expand school-based nursery provision across England. As a committed provider of canopies and shelters for schools and early-years settings, Able Canopies welcomes this development, which aligns perfectly with our mission to create safe, nurturing outdoor environments for young learners.

Funding for School-Based Nursery Expansion

The government has confirmed the initial round of funding for 300 school-based nurseries as part of a long-term plan to significantly increase nursery spaces nationwide. Primary schools that already offer early-years education, such as reception classes, were eligible to apply for grants of up to £150,000 each. These funds are specifically intended to help schools convert surplus spaces within their existing buildings into vibrant nursery settings.

Schools awarded this grant can use the funds exclusively for capital expenses, such as structural renovations and outdoor improvements like the installation of nursery canopies, ensuring suitable environments for early-years education.

You can read more about the full eligibility requirements for this grant here: School Based Nursery Capital Grant

First 300 Schools Awarded Grants

On April 2nd, the government revealed the initial 300 successful applicants who will benefit from this first wave of funding. These schools, located in towns and cities across the country, from Exeter to Newcastle, will collectively create up to 6,000 new nursery places. Impressively, up to 4,000 of these new places are expected to be ready for use by September.

Each successful school has received the amount they bid for, allowing them to repurpose or extend existing spaces effectively. With an average of 20 new nursery places per school, thousands of families nationwide will soon enjoy greater access to high-quality childcare.

How Able Canopies Can Help

At Able Canopies, we understand the importance of safe, stimulating outdoor environments for young children. Nurseries require versatile, weather-protected outdoor spaces that enable year-round outdoor learning and play. Our high-quality school canopies are the perfect solution for schools looking to transform surplus outdoor or indoor areas into welcoming, functional nursery spaces.

If your school is considering applying for future funding rounds, or if you’ve already secured a grant and would like to enhance your nursery environment, we’re here to help.

Request a Canopy Quote Today and find out how we can help you maximise your school-based nursery funding.

Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting initiative progresses!

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
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