Guidance for the process can be found
here.
As part of this process, the Local Authority (LA) is required to review applications, taking into account a number of factors to determine approval. One of these factors is the presence of unmet demand for nursery places in the local area.
To assess unmet demand, we have analysed the childcare market across Bradford by ward. Based on this analysis, we have identified areas where there is unmet demand for childcare places for children under 2 years old and 2-year-olds. These areas are shown
on the attached maps and in the list below:
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Under 2 Years Old Unmet Demand in: Baildon, Bingley Rural, Clayton and Fairweather Green, Craven, Eccleshill, Great Horton, Idle and Thackley, Ilkley, Keighley Central, Keighley East, Keighley West, Little Horton, Queensbury, Royds, Thornton and
Allerton, Tong, Wharfedale, Wibsey, Windhill and Wrose, Worth Valley, Wyke.
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Two Year Old Unmet Demand in: Idle and Thackley, Queensbury, Wibsey, Windhill and Wrose, Worth Valley and Wyke
Our data indicates that there is currently no unmet demand for childcare places for 3- and 4-year-olds across the Bradford District. However, if you are in within one of the above areas and are considering delivering 2 year or under 2s provision,
we would like to have a discussion around future planning of 3 and 4 year old provision.
We will be reassessing demographic data and childcare entitlement takeup across all age ranges in Spring 2026 to inform decision-making for Phase 3.
If you wish to proceed with an application or would require further information, we invite you to discuss your proposal with us. We will be holding these discussions on
20th October or 21st October 2025. If demand is high, we will look to adding additional dates which we will discuss individually with applicants.
Please contact us at
sufficiency@bradford.gov.uk to indicate your preferred date and whether you would like a morning or afternoon slot and we will find a suitable time to have a discussion.
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Key Dates
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Event
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24th September 2025
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Application window opens
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16th October 2025
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School-based Nursery Capital Grant Webinar for Schools run by the DfE. Book
here.
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20th & 21st October 2025 (additional datest may be needed as indicated above)
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LA Discussion with individual schools
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27th November 2025
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Deadline to inform LA of schools’ proposal so that we may review your proposal to determine approval in time for DfE deadline.
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11th December 2025 5pm
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Application window closes. The DfE recommend you submit 5 working days before the closing date.
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April 2026
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Applicants notified of outcome by the DfE.
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September 2026
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Projects aim to be operational
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