The recent announcement of Phase Two of the School-Based Nursery (SBN) Capital Grant marks a major opportunity for schools to expand their early years provision and increase nursery capacity.
With £45 million allocated to support new and expanded school-based nurseries, this funding is designed to improve access to high-quality childcare while helping schools respond to growing demand.
For schools exploring how to use SBN funding to expand nursery provision, this is more than a capital investment. It is a chance to create high-quality, future-proof learning environments that support children’s development from the very start of their education journey.
A Strategic Opportunity for Nursery Expansion
Schools can apply for funding to support nursery classroom design, refurbishment, or new-build projects, with greater flexibility than previous phases. This opens the door to early years expansion projects that go beyond repurposing unused space and instead focus on creating purpose-built environments aligned with EYFS standards.
However, delivering a successful school nursery setup requires more than funding alone. Schools must consider education space planning, compliance, accessibility and long-term sustainability, alongside ensuring the environment enhances learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
Why Early Years Design and Furniture Expertise Matters
Effective early years classroom design plays a critical role in child development. The layout, furniture and flow of a space directly impact how children learn, interact and engage. That’s why schools are increasingly seeking education furniture specialists who understand both pedagogy and practical delivery.
A well-designed nursery environment should include:
- Flexible layouts that support different learning activities
- Age-appropriate, durable furniture for safety and independence
- Inclusive design aligned with EYFS and SEND requirements
- Efficient use of space to maximise capacity
This is where a turnkey nursery fit-out partner becomes essential.
The Morleys and Millhouse Partnership: A Turnkey Advantage
Morleys partners with Millhouse, a leading provider of early years furniture, to deliver high-quality, child-centred nursery environments. This collaboration combines Morleys’ expertise in school design and project delivery with Millhouse’s durable, safety-compliant furniture ranges.
For schools accessing School-Based Nursery funding, this partnership provides a true turnkey nursery fit-out solution. From the initial idea through to installation, schools benefit from a seamless process that ensures:
- Consistency across design and furniture specification
- High-quality, EYFS-aligned learning environments
- Efficient use of funding and reduced project risk
The result is a future-proof nursery space that supports learning, improves school readiness and helps children on their journey from nursery through to ‘big school’.
Turning SBN Funding into Long-Term Impact
The success of any school-based nursery expansion depends on how effectively funding is translated into a high-quality environment. Schools that invest in expert nursery design and fit-out will be better positioned to increase capacity, improve outcomes and deliver long-term value.
For schools searching for support with SBN-funded nursery projects, partnering with Morleys, an experienced education interiors specialist, ensures that every element from layout to furniture is designed with purpose.
Now is the time for schools to act, plan strategically and partner with us to deliver inspiring, compliant and sustainable early years environments.
How Morleys Support SBN-Funded Nursery Projects
As a leading education design and furniture specialist, Morleys supports schools with end-to-end nursery fit-out solutions. With over 90 years of experience, Morleys help schools translate SBN funding into high-impact learning environments through:
- Strategic education space planning to maximise nursery capacity
- Full nursery design and build support, from concept to completion
- Expert furniture specification and installation
- Compliance with EYFS and SEND standards
- Project management for school refurbishment and new-build projects
Rather than simply supplying furniture, Morleys deliver fully integrated early years environments that align design, functionality and educational outcomes.
If you have an education project in the pipeline and would like to know more about the benefits of working with Morleys and the service we offer as FF&E design consultants, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.