Birmingham City Council is delighted to announce that three local schools have been granted the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Grestone Academy, Montgomery Primary Academy, and The Shirestone Academy will receive funding to expand and enhance nursery provision, creating more childcare opportunities for local families.
This funding initiative is part of the government’s wider strategy to increase access to early years education, particularly in areas where demand for nursery places outstrips supply. The initiative aims to ensure that families across the country have better access to affordable, high-quality early years provision, supporting children’s development and preparing them for school.
The Department for Education (DfE) has allocated the grant to support the creation and expansion of nursery provision in schools across the country. It is expected that the funding will support the development of 126 new nurseries and the expansion of 174 existing nurseries, providing up to 6,000 additional childcare places nationwide.
Approximately two-thirds of these projects are expected to open their new or expanded nursery provision by September 2025. Of the 300 successful projects, 273 will adopt a school-led delivery model, while 27 will be delivered in partnership with private, voluntary, or independent providers. This blend of approaches will allow schools to tailor nursery provision to the specific needs of their communities.
Councillor Mick Brown, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families, said: “This is fantastic news for Birmingham families. The funding awarded to Grestone Academy, Montgomery Primary Academy, and The Shirestone Academy will greatly enhance nursery provision, ensuring that more children have access to high-quality early education and childcare.
“We know that the early years are crucial for a child’s development, and by increasing nursery places, we are providing invaluable support to working families and giving young children the strong start they deserve.
“Birmingham City Council is committed to improving educational outcomes and supporting families, and this funding will make a real difference in our communities.”
This development aligns with Birmingham City Council’s strategic priority to support families and improve outcomes for children. The Council will continue to work closely with schools and early years providers to maximize the impact of this funding.