School-based Nursery Capital Grant 2025 to 2026

'Bright Beginnings'

Castletown Primary secures £150,000 boost to transform our Nursery provision and expand places for local families

A vibrant future is taking shape for our young learners as our school proudly celebrates a major milestone: securing £150,000 from the Department for Education’s (DfE) Nursery Capital Funding Grant (2025–26). This significant investment places our school among just 30 successful applicants across the North East, an achievement that reflects both the strength of our vision and our commitment to early years education.

The funding will enable an exciting expansion of Castletown Primary’s nursery provision, transforming the learning environment and opening doors for more families within our community. At the heart of this development is a clear ambition: to create a nurturing, inspiring space where children can thrive from the very start of their educational journey.

From the autumn term of 2026, our school plans to introduce additional nursery places, including dedicated provision for two-year-olds. This expansion responds directly to growing demand for high-quality early education and childcare, ensuring that more children can benefit from a strong foundation in a supportive and stimulating setting.

The development will include enhanced indoor learning spaces designed to spark curiosity, creativity and confidence. Bright, engaging classrooms will be thoughtfully equipped to support play-based learning, language development and early numeracy skills. Alongside this, children will enjoy access to exceptional outdoor facilities in the form of spaces that encourage exploration, physical development and a love of the natural world.

The Department for Education’s Nursery Capital Funding Grant is aimed at increasing early years capacity, particularly in areas where access to high-quality provision is most needed. By investing in infrastructure and facilities, the programme helps schools like Castletown Primary deliver outstanding environments that benefit children, families and the wider community.

Governors, staff and senior leaders at our school have expressed their delight at the award, recognising the transformative impact it will have. This project is not simply about expansion but it is also about opportunity. Opportunity for children to learn, grow and flourish; for parents to access trusted, high-quality childcare and for the community to benefit from a strengthened educational offer.

As plans progress, the school warmly invites parents and carers to consider Castletown Primary School for their child’s early years education. With new places becoming available and an enriched learning environment on the horizon, now is the perfect time to register interest and be part of this exciting new chapter.

This investment marks the beginning of something truly special. It marks the bright beginning of a space where young minds will be nurtured, imaginations will be ignited and every child will be given the very best start in life.