Derby City Council is delighted to announce a significant boost to its early years childcare provision, following the allocation of childcare expansion capital grant funding from the Department for Education (DfE). This funding will support the creation of 337 new childcare places across the city by August 2025, addressing the increasing demand generated by the Government's new expanded childcare offer.
Derby City Council launched the Early Years Capital Grant application process in Spring 2024. The process was transparent, allowing childcare providers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs). From these, 16 applications were advanced, representing various types of providers. An approval panel reviewed the applications and granted funding based on evidence of demand.
The total cost of projects was £1,410,333 with the council’s contribution of £475,002. The investment will create additional places across the city, significantly enhancing accessibility to quality childcare for families.
By 31 August, the following additional places will have been created across city wards:
- Darley: 86 places
- Mickleover: 90 places
- Alvaston South: 11 places
- Sinfin & Osmaston: 6 places
- Chaddesden East: 25 placesArboretum: 51 places
- Normanton: 38 places
- Chellaston & Shelton Lock: 30 places
Examples of how these grants have been used include:
The Early Years Academy: Utilised their grant to construct a 'Hygge Hut,' an outdoor retreat designed for comfort, calm, and connection. This space has improved accessibility and inclusion, particularly for a child with high sensory sensitivity whose confidence has transformed through calmer transitions into nursery life.
Little Angels Nursery: Redeveloped an old dining room into a new six-place baby room, investing in high-quality furniture, bedding, resources, and staff training. The grant also funded a sectioned garden area with various play equipment, allowing parents with older children at the nursery to now access care for their baby siblings within the same setting.
Whitecross Nursery: Used their grant to develop new provision for two-year-olds, creating eight places that accommodate 17 different children throughout the working week, complete with age-appropriate furnishings and facilities.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
With this vital funding, we’re building a stronger foundation for families in our city. We’re proud to be creating 337 much-needed new childcare places, demonstrating our commitment to meeting rising demand and making quality childcare accessible to everyone.
More information about early learning childcare provision in DerbyOpens in new tab, eligibility criteria for funded places, and how to apply, is available on the Derby City Council website. Information on the Government’s new working parent entitlement offerOpens in new tab is available on the Government’s Childcare Choices website.