House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
School-Based Nursery Capital Grant Outcomes
23 March 2026 · Department for Education
Proposed by Olivia Bailey Lab Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Olivia Bailey announces an investment of 45 million for 331 schools to establish or expand nurseries.
- The funding will create over 6,000 new places in nurseries across disadvantaged areas.
- Local authorities will receive up to 325 million for multi-year proposals in Phase 3 of the programme.
Issue summary
The statement discusses further investments and expansions of school-based nursery programmes aimed at improving early education for children across disadvantaged areas.
Action requested
Olivia Bailey announces an investment of £45 million to support 331 additional schools in establishing or growing nurseries, creating over 6,000 new places. She also outlines Phase 3 of the programme which will see local authorities receive up to £325 million for multi-year proposals.
Key facts
- 214 nurseries have already opened since last year's launch, creating more than 5,000 childcare places.
- The new investment creates over 6,000 additional nursery places.
- Over a third of these places will be in the most disadvantaged areas.
- 20 maintained nursery schools are included in this second phase of funding.
- Local authorities will receive up to £325 million for multi-year proposals in Phase 3.
- Best Start Family Hubs can now apply for funding to create or expand nurseries.