How to Furnish School Nurseries with the SBN Grant!

Picture this: you've just discovered that your school is eligible for the School-based Nursery Grant for 2025/26, meaning you can establish a new school-based nursery to help meet childcare demand within your local community!

However, after doing some research, you quickly realise that you're not too certain on what pieces of furniture/play equipment are needed to establish not only an effective learning environment, but a nursery environment that complies with the Department for Education's requirements.

It must feel overwhelming, scary or even confusing, right?

As the UK's #1 designer and installer of nursery playgrounds and experts in nursery classroom design, we decided to put together a guide on what you need to create the perfect nursery environment for your selected type of nursery!

Join us as we showcase some popular designs we've created that should help to give you some inspiration on how to spend your school-based nursery funding in an effective way.

How to Plan Your Grant Spend Strategically

Before diving into furniture catalogues, it’s worth taking a step back and thinking about what your nursery really needs. The SBN Grant is a brilliant opportunity to invest in long-term improvements, so it helps to plan your spend with both today’s and tomorrow’s learners in mind.

Start by looking at how your current spaces are used. Which areas support learning well and which could do more? Then think about your teaching approach. For example, Montessori settings might need low shelving and practical life areas, while Reggio Emilia classrooms benefit from flexible, creative zones.

It’s also smart to balance your investment between indoor and outdoor spaces. Outdoor learning supports children’s wellbeing and curiosity just as much as what happens inside. Finally, choose durable, adaptable furniture that can grow with your setting, pieces that can be moved, reconfigured, or repurposed as your nursery evolves.

A little planning now will help your grant go further and create spaces that inspire for years to come.

Example Designs for Different Types of Nurseries

Every nursery is unique, and the best way to spend your SBN Grant depends on the kind of environment you want to create! The layout, learning approach, and even the materials you choose all shape how children explore and engage with the world around them.

To help you plan, our classroom furniture specialist (Maddy McGuire) has put together a few example nursery designs, each one showcasing how your grant can be used to create engaging and inspiring spaces.

From Montessori discovery rooms to Forest School hubs and inclusive sensory settings, these examples show how thoughtful furniture choices and play equipment can turn your funding into a successful space for delivering childcare!

Montessori Discovery Nursery - Investing in Independence

A Montessori-inspired nursery is all about freedom within structure, giving children the independence to explore, make choices, and learn at their own pace. When planning how to use your SBN Grant, focus on furniture that encourages confidence, order, and calm discovery.

Focus on furniture/play equipment that encourages children to engage in activities without you being directly involved. The idea of these nurseries is trying to help the children embrace their freedom of choice and develop a strong sense of independence from it.

Indoors

Think low, open shelving that puts materials within easy reach, natural textures, and clearly defined learning zones. Millhouse furniture like the Low Block Play Unit, Home from Home Tiered Shelf Units, and Under 2’s Activity Kitchen help create a welcoming space where every item has its place. Add Easels and Activity Tables to support practical life and creative play.

Products like the Millhouse Indoor Maths Collection and Millhouse Emotion Station can help to effectively zone the nursery to help children develop specific skills and behaviours. Below is a list that incorporates a variety of pieces of furniture that all suit a Montessori-inspired nursery:

• Millhouse Sleep Pod
• Millhouse Indoor Maths Collection
• Millhouse Freestanding Mobile Cloakroom Trolley
• Millhouse Crawl-in Sandpit
• Millhouse Explorer Square Table High
• Millhouse Home from Home Tiered Shelf Unit with Mirror Back x 3
• Millhouse Home from Home Cube Display Shelf
• Millhouse Home From Home Kaleidoscope Corner Display
• Millhouse Kinder Trail – Shimmer Trail
• Millhouse Storytelling Tree Set
• Millhouse Long Grass Mat
• Millhouse Medium Circular Table + 4 Beech Stacking Chairs x 4
• Millhouse Double-sided 2 Station Easel with Low Storage Trolley
• Millhouse Mini Sand and Water Station H590mm x 2
• Millhouse Under 2’s Activity Kitchen
• Millhouse Wall Mirror
• Millhouse Basic Dressing up Trolley
• Millhouse Low Block Play Unit
• Millhouse Enchanted Reading Nook
• Millhouse Sensory Floor Cushion for Magical Mirror Den
• Millhouse Continuous Provision Trolley
• Millhouse Emotion Station Freestanding

Outdoors

Montessori learning extends naturally outdoors. Raised garden beds, small work tables under canopies, and outdoor practical stations give children the chance to water plants, sweep, or sort materials. The Hill Den, Low-Level Play Ship, and Outdoor Art Easel make wonderful additions for child-led exploration and teamwork.

Your outdoor equipment should promote children to engage in practical activities without being prompted to. Below is a list of recommended equipment that is perfect for achieving this goal:

• Hill Den
• Group Art Easel
• Easel on Wheels
• Low Level Play Ship
• Freestanding Communication & Language Zone

Reggio Emilia Atelier & Exploration Garden - Funding Creativity

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, this type of nursery celebrates creativity, collaboration, and curiosity. Every space becomes a canvas for learning, where children can explore, express ideas, and make discoveries together. Using your SBN Grant to design a Reggio-inspired environment means investing in furniture that’s open-ended, flexible, and beautiful!

Indoors

Reggio classrooms are light-filled and full of possibility. Mirrors, display panels, and adaptable shelving help children see themselves as active participants in learning.

Millhouse pieces such as the Magical Mirror Den, Sensory Wall Panels, Mobile Tiered Shelf Units, and Toddler Play Panel Sets make it easy to create ateliers that evolve with each new project. Add drying racks, block sets, and display storage to celebrate children’s work and ideas.

Below is a complete list that our Classroom Furniture Specialist has put together to help you establish a classic Reggio Emilia Atelier-inspired classroom environment with ease:

• Millhouse Compact Low Mirror Play Unit
• Millhouse Magical Mirror Den
• Millhouse Sensory Wall Domed Mirror
• Millhouse Mobile Tiered Shelf Unit with Mirror Back
• Millhouse Home from Home Wall Mirror with Hooks
• Millhouse Sensory Wall Sequins Panel
• Millhouse Medium Tiered Shelf Unit x 4
• Millhouse Welsh Dresser Display Sotorage
• Millhouse Toddler Play Panel Starter Set – Enclosure 6 Panel Set
• Millhouse STEM Block Set 234 Piece
• Millhouse Storytelling Tree
• Millhouse A3 Drying Rack
• Millhouse Home Zone
• Millhouse Sleep Pod set of 4
• Millhouse Evacuation cot
• Millhouse Sleep Pod Sheets – pack of 6
• Millhouse Sleep Pod Blankets – Pack of 6

Outdoors

Take creativity outside with nature ateliers and storytelling corners. Items like the Group Music Easel, Water Table on Wheels, and Performance Stage help children express themselves through movement, sound, and exploration. Outdoor easels and small covered sand boxes encourage sensory play and experimentation.

Exploration gardens link perfectly with the goal of a Reggio Emilia Atelier-inspired indoor classroom, as they both promote creative thinking and inspire children to explore their surroundings to discover new things. Below is a list of outdoor equipment you could easily integrate into your exploration garden:

• Group Music Easel
• Water Table on Wheels
• Small Covered Sand Box
• Freestanding Communication & Language Zone
• Performance Stage on Posts

STEM/STEAM Innovation Nursery - Building Future Thinkers

A STEM or STEAM nursery is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving from the very start. These spaces encourage children to experiment, build, and discover how things work through hands-on play. When using your SBN Grant, focus on creating environments that invite questioning and exploration, both indoors and outdoors.

Indoors

STEM learning starts with flexible, purposeful furniture that supports discovery. Tables for construction, shelves for resources, and interactive areas all help children test ideas and build confidence.

Millhouse pieces such as the Investigative Play Tables, Whiteboard Easels with Storage Trolleys, Tilt Tote Storage Units, and Round Island Kitchen create exciting corners for building, mixing, and experimenting. Pair them with Adjustable Tables and Sturdy Chairs to support different age groups and activities.

Below is a list of our recommended products that would help you establish the perfect STEAM/STEM learning environment:

• Millhouse Large Cosy Cove Plus Autumn Accessory Set          
• Millhouse Investigative Play Table and 4 Baskets x 2   
• Millhouse Home From Home Round Island Kitchen - Toddler 
• Millhouse Extra Wide Storage Unit with Back  
• Millhouse Low 90º Open Sweep Shelving Unit
• Millhouse Compact Low Book Display              
• Millhouse Double-sided 2 Station Whiteboard Easel with Low Storage Trolley
• Millhouse Shelf Unit with Display and Mirror Back and 6 Baskets                        
• Millhouse Sturdy Chairs - Pack of 2 (Seat H200mm) x 8
• Millhouse Mobile Tall Book Display     
• Millhouse Corner Kitchen        
• Millhouse Mobile Market          
• Mini Mobile Dressing Up Unit 
• Small Rectangular Table (W960 x D695) Height Adjustable x 4
• Beech Stacking Chair - Pack of 4 (Seat H310mm) x 7
• Tilt Tote Storage with 6 Clear Tubs        
• Millhouse Double-sided 2 Station Whiteboard Easel with Tall Storage Trolley
• Medium Tiered Shelf Unit NEW

Outdoors

Outdoors, the possibilities grow even bigger. Mini weather stations, large sand boxes, and garden-based science areas give children the chance to learn through natural materials. Outdoor options like Games-Topped Picnic Tables, the Sensory Arbour, and Play Builder Architect Sets bring hands-on engineering and observation to life.

To establish a STEAM/STEM outdoor environment, consider introducing the following pieces of outdoor equipment to your nursery playground:

• Games Topped Picnic Tables
• Large Sand Box
• Sensory Arbour
• Play Builder Architect Set

Forest School-Inspired Nursery Hub - Growing Outdoors

A Forest School–inspired nursery embraces nature as the greatest teacher. These environments help children build confidence, resilience, and teamwork through outdoor exploration and hands-on learning. When planning how to use your SBN Grant, think about creating a seamless link between calm, nature-themed indoor areas and adventurous outdoor spaces that spark discovery.

Indoors

Inside, choose warm, natural materials that bring the feeling of the outdoors in. Millhouse furniture such as the Low Mirror Units, Soft Play Stepping Stones, Storytelling Tree, and Compact Book Displays create cosy zones for reflection, storytelling, and sensory play.

Soft mats, wooden textures, and gentle colours make the classroom feel calm, grounded, and connected to nature.

Try including the following indoor furniture within your forest-school inspired nursery to establish the perfect outdoor feeling:

• Millhouse Single Tier Mobile Circular Storage Unit with 4 Baskets
• Millhouse Low Mirror Storage Unit with 3 Baskets
• Millhouse Kinder Soft Play - Stepping Stone
• Low 45° Open Sweep Storage Unit
• Millhouse Under 2’s Activity Kitchen
• Millhouse Clear View Low Browser
• Millhouse Kinder Crawl
• Millhouse Pull up and Play Mirror
• Millhouse Sensory Wall Mirror
• Millhouse Sensory Floor Cushion
• Millhouse Pebble Mat - 1400 x 900mm x 2
• Millhouse Teacher Low Chair (Seat H310mm) x 2
• Millhouse Low Mirror Play Unit with 3 Baskets
• Millhouse Lockable Storage Cupboard with Display and Mirror Back
• Millhouse Small Rectangular Table (W960 x D695) Height Adjustable
• Millhouse Sturdy Chairs - Pack of 2 (Seat H140mm)
• Millhouse Sturdy Chairs - Pack of 4 (Seat H140mm)
• Millhouse Tray Storage Unit (730mm height) with 18 Shallow Trays
• Millhouse Low High Chair x 4
• Millhouse Medium Circular Table (D900) Height Adjustable
• Millhouse Sturdy Chair with Pommel - Pack of 2 (Seat H140mm) x 2
• Millhouse Double-sided 4 Station Chalk/Whiteboard Easel
• Millhouse Play Tray with Mirror
• Millhouse Mini Sand and Water Station (290mm)
• Millhouse Compact Low Level Storage Bench (Tubs)
• Millhouse Low Level 90° Degree Corner Unit
• Millhouse Home from Home Tub Sofa
• Millhouse Compact Low Book Display
• Millhouse Sleep Pod x 7
• Millhouse Evacuation Cot
• Millhouse Home From Home Shallow Basket Tray Storage
• Millhouse Stepped Baby Changing Unit
• Millhouse Freestanding Cubby Unit x 3
• Millhouse Bench Cushion - Cloakroom Storage Bench x 3
• Millhouse Millhouse The Storytelling Tree

Outdoors

The outdoor environment is where the Forest School philosophy truly comes alive, and Pentagon Play has everything you need to make it happen. From the Head Chef Mud Kitchen Package and Den-Building Posts to the Giant Playhouse and Get Set Go Blocks – The Peaks Set, each product encourages children to explore, create, and collaborate in nature.

These spaces support physical development, imagination, and social skills in a way that indoor learning simply can’t.

Use the following list to help you establish an outdoor forest school inspired play area quickly and efficiently:

• Head Chef Mud Kitchen Package
• Den Building Posts
• Giant Playhouse
• Get Set Go Blocks – The Peaks Set

Community-Integrated Nursery & Learning Garden - Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom

A community-integrated nursery is all about connection between children, families, and educators. These environments invite parents to take part, celebrate local creativity, and make the nursery a shared space for learning and belonging.

Using your SBN Grant here means investing in furniture and features that are flexible, welcoming, and easy to adapt for family events or community workshops.

Indoors

Create a homely, multi-use environment with furniture that supports both everyday learning and shared activities. Millhouse pieces such as the Freestanding Cubby Units, Medium Circular Tables, Cube Display Shelves, and Creative Units make it easy to rearrange spaces for reading sessions, group play, or parent workshops.

Add Dressing Up Units, Play Trays, and Drying Racks to encourage imaginative and creative activities that families can enjoy together.

Try incorporating the following furniture into your indoor environment to help establish a community-driven nursery quickly:

• Millhouse Freestanding Cubby Unit x 4
• Millhouse Island Kitchen - Toddler
• Millhouse Beech Stacking Chair - Pack of 4 (Seat H210mm) x 2
• Millhouse Home from Home Tiered Shelf Unit with Mirror Back
• Millhouse Mini Mobile Dressing Up Unit
• Millhouse Hollow Block Storage Unit with Back
• Millhouse Mobile Sleep Mat Store with Folding Sleep Mat (Pack of 10)
• Millhouse Mini Sand and Water Station (440mm) x 2
• Millhouse Mini Accessory Shelf
• Millhouse Play Tray with Mirror
• Millhouse Home From Home Cube Display Shelf
• Millhouse Tall 45° Open Sweep W 75cm x 2
• Millhouse Double-sided Creative Unit x 2
• Millhouse Teacher Low Chair (Seat H310mm) x 2
• Millhouse Medium Circular Table (D900) Height Adjustable x 2
• Millhouse Drying Rack Unit (A3)
• Millhouse Double-sided 2 Station Chalk/Whiteboard Easel with Low Storage Trolley
• Millhouse Tilt Tote Storage with 6 Clear Tubs
• Millhouse Play Tray Activity Table Only - Toddler
• Millhouse Tall 90° Degree Corner Unit
• Millhouse Tilt Tote Storage with 6 Baskets
• Millhouse Treadplate Mat - 1400 x 900mm
• Millhouse Single Tier Mobile Circular Storage Unit with 4 Baskets
• Millhouse Under 2's Multiuse Building

Outdoors

Outdoor learning gardens bring people together in hands-on, meaningful ways. This is where Pentagon Play products shine. Shared vegetable beds, Mud Kitchens, Bug Hotels, and Sensory Seating Circles help children and families connect with nature while developing teamwork and care for the environment.

These spaces also make great backdrops for community events and seasonal celebrations.

Use the following list to establish a strong base for your play area:

• Mud Kitchen
• Tuff Spot Table
• Bug Hotel
• Damming Station
• Sensory Seating Circle

How to Maximise Long-Term Value from Your Grant

Your School-Based Nursery Grant is more than a one-off investment, it’s an opportunity to build spaces that will support learning for years to come. The key is to think beyond the immediate setup and plan for flexibility, durability, and growth.

Start by choosing modular, adaptable furniture that can change as your nursery evolves. Items like mobile shelving, adjustable tables, and freestanding units can be reconfigured easily, supporting different activities and age groups without the need for constant replacements.

Next, balance your investment between indoor and outdoor learning. Indoor furniture from Millhouse provides safe, structured environments for focused play, while Pentagon Play outdoor equipment encourages exploration, movement, and connection with nature, giving you the best of both worlds.

Finally, look for quality and sustainability. Well-crafted furniture made from natural, hard-wearing materials will last longer and provide better value over time. It’s not just about filling a room, it’s about creating spaces that grow with your children, your curriculum, and your community.

Turning Grant Funding into Lasting Impact

Great environments don’t happen by chance, they’re designed with purpose. Your School-Based Nursery Grant is the perfect opportunity to transform how children learn, play, and grow every day.

At Pentagon Play, we've had the pleasure of working closely with hundreds of schools during phase one of the SBN Grant to turn funding into inspiring, future-ready nursery spaces. From calm, well-organised indoor areas to dynamic, nature-rich outdoor classrooms, we’ll help you create environments that reflect your vision and meet every child’s needs.

Let’s make your SBN Grant go further, and build something that will continue to inspire long after the funding ends. If you're ready to take the first step in creating your dream school-based nursery, then contact us today and see how our team can help you!