How to avoid delays with your School-Based Nursery Capital Grant project

The School-Based Nursery Capital Grant (Phase 2) is a fantastic opportunity for schools to expand or create nursery provision - but once the funding is secured, timing becomes everything.

With key deadlines already announced, the clock will soon start ticking for successful applicants, and even small delays can have a big impact on your project’s success.

 

At Chequered Fox, we’ve supported many schools and early years settings through similar capital projects, and we know where things can stall - and how to keep them on track.

 

Here’s how to make sure your School-Based Nursery Capital Grant project runs smoothly from approval to installation.

 

 

📅 A reminder of the key dates to keep in mind

Here’s a quick reminder of the key dates for Phase 2 of the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant - and why they matter when it comes to planning ahead.

• Applications opened: 22 September 2025

• Application deadline: 11 December 2025

• Grant confirmation letters issued: April 2026

• Initial payments released: June 2026

• Final spend deadline: 1 September 2027

While the official spend deadline isn’t until September 2027, most schools aim to complete work before the start of the 2026/27 academic year (September 2026), to avoid disruption to pupils and ensure new nursery spaces are ready for use.

That gives schools just a few short months from June to August 2026 to finalise plans, order furniture, and complete installations - a tight window if planning doesn’t start early.

 

The common causes of delay (and how to avoid them)

1. Waiting for funding confirmation

Many schools hold off making any concrete plans until funding is confirmed in April 2026 - but by then, lead times for furniture, equipment and installation teams are already filling up.

 

💡 Tip: Start your planning now.

Use the application window to assess your space, gather initial quotes and outline your preferred layout. Having your plan ready to go means you can move quickly once funding is approved.

 

2. Slow procurement and long lead times

Once payments are released in June 2026, hundreds of schools will begin ordering at the same time - which can lead to delays in manufacturing, delivery, and installation.

💡 Tip: Work with trusted suppliers who understand the grant’s timing.

At Chequered Fox, we’re already preparing supply chains and scheduling installations to ensure fast turnaround times for Phase 2 projects.

 

3. Design and planning bottlenecks

Undecided layouts or late space planning can easily push projects back. Many schools underestimate how long it takes to finalise floor plans, select resources, and get internal approvals.

💡 Tip: Get your space planning done early.
Chequered Fox offers free layout advice and 3D visuals so you can visualise your space well before you’re ready to order - helping avoid costly, time-consuming changes later.

 

4. Scope changes and decision delays

Projects often slow down because decisions get revisited - whether it’s a last-minute layout change or re-prioritising how funding is spent.

💡 Tip: Create a clear project brief.
Decide early on which areas are essential (e.g. play zones, storage, furniture) and stick to them. Assign one project lead internally to keep decision-making streamlined.

 

5. Installation scheduling conflicts

Summer is the busiest time of year for installations in schools. If your dates aren’t secured early, you may struggle to get work completed before term starts.

💡 Tip: Book installation slots as soon as funding is confirmed.
We recommend securing provisional dates before June 2026 where possible. Chequered Fox can help coordinate installation timing around your school calendar to minimise disruption.

6. Administrative and payment delays

Even after orders are placed, slow purchase order processing or unclear sign-offs can delay payments - and therefore deliveries.

💡 Tip:  Set internal timelines for approvals.
Ensure your finance and procurement teams understand the funding process and timelines. Chequered Fox can provide documentation and quotes formatted to meet DfE or local authority requirements.

 

How Chequered Fox helps schools stay on track

We’ve been working closely with schools and early years settings for years - helping them design, plan and furnish inspiring, compliant nursery spaces.

Here’s how we help you stay one step ahead:

• Pre-award support: Space planning, visual layouts and initial quotations to include in your grant application.

• Fast-track ordering: Access to trusted UK suppliers with proven track records and realistic lead times.

• Project management: Support from concept to installation - ensuring you stay within budget and meet your timescales.

• Tailored solutions: From Millhouse furniture to outdoor play areas, trikes, and learning resources - all designed for EYFS settings.

By preparing now, you can hit the ground running as soon as confirmation letters arrive in April 2026.

 

 

✅ Quick checklist: keeping your project on track