Early years and childcare school-based nursery provision

April 2026 - Phase 3

Applications opening April 2026

Essex County Council invites eligible schools and settings to apply for Phase 3 School-based Nursery Capital Funding, part of the Department for Education's national programme to expand high-quality early years provision.

Phase 3 funding supports the creation or expansion of nursery places on school sites between 2027 and 2030, with investment targeted toward areas of childcare sufficiency pressure and disadvantage.

Application timeline

Funding launched	16 April 2026
Last date for BMC / CCDL support	3 July 2026
Application closing date	17 July 2026, 5pm
ECC internal moderation and clarifications	17 July - 10 August 2026
ECC moderation panel	17 August 2026
ECC submission to DfE	25 September 2026
Outcomes notified by DfE	Spring 2027

Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

Application guidance and documents

For Essex and DfE's guidance and support on establishing school-based nursery provision, use the following online information and download:

These guides detail what you need to consider if you wish to open or expand nursery provision at your school, including:

Delivery Models
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework (including space and welfare requirements).
DfE technical standards for buildings and grounds.
Ofsted or other school premises legislation
Making significant changes to your school

Application form and scoring matrix

To enable you to start to build your application, we have provided an example form and the scoring matrix:

Once you are ready to apply, use the link below:

Apply for School Based Nursery Capital Grant Phase 3

Support and advice

Schools are encouraged to engage early with their Business Management Consultant (BMC) and Children's Community Development Lead (CCDL) for advice before submitting an application:

For enquiries, contact:

ey.capitalgrants@essex.gov.uk

BMC@essex.gov.uk

CCDL@essex.gov.uk