Modular nursery buildings
A modular nursery building gives a school or provider a self-contained early years setting: playrooms, nappy changing, a kitchen, staff space and direct access to outdoor play. The statutory space rules set the floor area by age: 3.5 m² per child under two, 2.5 m² for two-year-olds and 2.3 m² for three to five-year-olds, before toilets, kitchens and storage.
A free matching service, not a modular building supplier. We find one who covers your area and tell you who they are before anything is shared. How it works
- Under twos
- 3.5 m² a childEYFS indoor space
- Two-year-olds
- 2.5 m² a childEYFS indoor space
- Three to five
- 2.3 m² a childEYFS indoor space
- Reception classroom
- 62 m²BB103, class of 30
What modular nursery buildings cost
Classroom starting prices from Midlands Portable Buildings’ April 2026 price guide; per m² figure from Portable Facilities on EdExec. The playroom line multiplies the EYFS space requirement by that rate and covers the play space only: toilets, nappy changing, kitchen and stores add area and cost. Read 28 October 2026. A guide, not a quote, excluding VAT.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| New single room building Published classroom starting price, building only | From £108,000 |
| New double room building Published classroom starting price, building only | From £180,000 |
| Building cost per m² Published average for classroom buildings | About £850 |
| Playroom for 26 three to five-year-olds 26 × 2.3 m² = 59.8 m² of play space | About £51,000 |
Why schools add a modular nursery
- Expanded childcare entitlements have raised demand for places on school sites.
- A school-based nursery feeds reception and keeps families with the school.
- A self-contained building keeps early years routines apart from the main school.
- The building can be in use within months of a decision.
- Playrooms can open straight on to a secure outdoor area.
What to put in the brief
Ask every supplier to price the same points in writing, so the returns can be compared line by line.
- Space schedule
- Play space per child by age, plus toilets, nappy changing, kitchen, sleep area, stores, staff room and office.
- Outdoor access
- Doors from each playroom to a secure outdoor area, with a covered space for all-weather play.
- What the price covers
- Building, delivery, crane, foundations, drainage, power and water connections, ramps and steps, furniture and removal. Starting prices often cover the building alone.
- Specification
- Wall, roof and floor build-up, windows, heating and ventilation, lighting, data points and the finish, in a schedule every supplier fills in.
- Regulations and fire
- Who applies for building control, the fire strategy and escape distances, accessible toilet provision and what the building is rated for.
- Programme
- Dates for survey, design sign-off, planning, manufacture, delivery and handover, and what happens if a date slips.
Planning a nursery on your site? Send the number of places by age group, and we will look for a nursery building supplier near you.
Ask for a free quoteHow a modular nursery project runs
Places and registration
earlyDecide the number of places by age, the hours and who will run it. The space needed follows from those numbers.
Site visit and returns
2 to 4 weeksSuppliers check access for a lorry and crane, ground levels, drainage, power and water, then return a drawing, a specification and a price.
Planning, if needed
8 to 12 weeksMany permanent school buildings in England fall under Class M permitted development. Where they do not, a published supplier timetable allows 8 to 12 weeks for a decision.
Manufacture and groundworks
in parallelThe modules are built in the factory while foundations, drainage and service connections go in on site.
Delivery and fit-out
1 to 2 working days on siteModules arrive by lorry and are craned on to the foundations. One supplier allows 1 to 2 working days for this and 5 to 7 working days more for fit-out.
Handover
before termBuilding control completion, fire safety information, the energy certificate, warranties and the operating manual for the estates file.
Questions people ask
How much space does a nursery need per child?
The EYFS framework sets 3.5 m² per child under two, 2.5 m² for two-year-olds and 2.3 m² for three to five-year-olds. That is usable play space; toilets, kitchens, staff rooms and storage are on top. The DfE consulted in 2025 on letting free-flow outdoor space count towards it, so check the current framework.
How much does a modular nursery cost?
Start from published classroom prices: £108,000 for a new single room building and £180,000 for a double, building only. Kitchens, nappy changing and extra toilets add to that, and site works are separate.
Does a modular nursery need planning permission?
On a school site in England, Class M permitted development may cover it within its limits, provided the building is used as part of the school. A nursery run by a separate provider, or on other land, normally needs an application.
How long does it take?
A typical published programme is 12 to 24 weeks from enquiry to handover. Registration and staffing also take time, so plan both together.
Can a nursery share a building with reception?
Yes, many schools combine nursery and reception in one early years unit, with separate rooms and a shared outdoor area. Check the space rules for each age group.
Ask for prices for a modular nursery
Three short steps: where the school is, what you need, and how to reach you. About two minutes.
Thanks, your enquiry is in.
- Within one working day we will email or call to tell you which modular building supplier covers your area.
- Your details reach that firm only if you say yes.
- They look at the site and give you a fixed price. No marketing from us, ever.