Meeting Rising Nursery Demand Through Modular Buildings

As the demand for early years education rises, nurseries across the UK are under increasing pressure to provide sufficient spaces. Driven by a number of factors, from population growth and new neighbourhoods to expanding government-funded childcare, nurseries need high-quality new buildings designed and built as fast as possible.

Offering high-quality, purpose-built learning environments, modular buildings are a practical and efficient way to increase nursery capacity without the delays and inconveniences of conventional brick-and-mortar construction.

Our net zero building for Paper Lane Nursery

The growing demand for nursery places in the UK

The demand for nursery places in the UK is increasing at a considerable rate and putting pressure on providers, at least in part, to expand their capacity to meet this growing need. There are several key factors contributing to this:

Expansion in government-funded childcare

In December 2024, the government announced a funding increase of £2bn to support a planned rollout of 30 hours of free childcare for eligible under 5s in England. This financial commitment aims to help nurseries, childminders, and other childcare providers deliver on the additional 70,000 places needed from September 2025.

There are concerns, however, that the extra demand this will create will be difficult to meet with existing infrastructure and workforce.

Expanding communities and new homes

Coupled with the government’s expanding funding for childcare, new research by Savills has shown that the building of new homes and communities is also adding to demand for local nurseries.

The research, published in November 2024, found that for every 855 new homes built, an average-sized nursery offering a minimum of 54 places is required to meet childcare demand. Further analysis by Education Property highlights that with the government’s target to build 1.5 million new homes over the next 5 years, approximately 1,574 new day nursery settings will be required.

Leeds, North Northamptonshire, Wandsworth, and Tower Hamlets have all been spotlighted as areas with the highest proportion of new development sites over the coming years, making them key expansion areas for nurseries.

Difficulty meeting existing demand

Cultural and economic factors, such as many families’ reliance on dual incomes, are also contributing to the rise in the need for nursery places. However, nurseries are struggling to expand and meet this demand due to funding constraints and a lack of available space.

Research released by Coram Family and Childcare in 2024 has highlighted in particular that SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) childcare and childcare in rural areas are struggling to deliver in the current conditions.

How modular nurseries can help meet capacity needs

With nursery providers under pressure to expand quickly, modular nursery buildings can be part of a flexible and high-quality solution to meet this demand.

What is a modular nursery?

Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar construction, a modular nursery is manufactured in parts within a controlled environment before being transported and assembled on-site. By taking this streamlined approach, construction teams can help to reduce build time and minimise disruption to any existing nursery settings.

Modular designs, including TG Escapes’ designs, are permanent and long-lasting, in our case built around at least 50 years of regular usage. They can be fully tailored to the needs of early years education; this might include elements such as large windows for natural light, open-plan learning spaces, sensory-friendly zones, and covered outdoor play areas.

Our early years building for Collegiate Independent School

What makes modular nursery buildings the ideal solution?

With nurseries under increasing pressure to provide additional places, modular buildings can offer a fast, cost-effective, and sustainable way to overcome the challenges of traditional construction, while delivering an attractive, high-quality solution.

Reduced construction time

Unlike conventional builds, modular nursery buildings are designed and constructed off-site before being assembled on location. This can dramatically reduce build times, allowing nurseries to open sooner and meet demand without lengthy disruption.

Cost-effectiveness

Controlled, off-site construction ensures efficient material use, minimal waste, and reduced labour costs compared to traditional building methods. Our team also offers set upfront pricing, reducing the uncertainty and surprises that can come with brick-and-mortar.

Flexibility and adaptability

Modular buildings can be easily expanded and reconfigured as nursery needs evolve. Whether accommodating more children or adapting spaces for different activities, modular designs offer the long-term flexibility that is vital for these settings.

What can be included in a modular nursery building?

Modular nursery buildings offer safe, engaging, and inspiring learning environments for young children. With a focus on well-being, sustainability, and functionality, these buildings offer a range of key features that make them ideal for early years education.

We prioritise easy outdoor access in all of our buildings

Biophilic design

Incorporating natural light, ventilation, and connections to outdoor spaces, biophilic design helps improve children’s well-being, concentration, and overall development. Our team designs around biophilia from the ground up, incorporating access to the outdoors, large amounts of natural light, and utilising timber for the frames and panelling that makes up our buildings.

Purpose-built learning spaces

Modular nurseries can be designed with open-plan areas for group activities, quiet zones for focused learning, and sensory-friendly environments to support children with diverse needs. We utilise a panelised modular system that allows for a huge degree of customisation.

Sustainable construction

Not only can modular nurseries be built to provide a durable, long-lasting space for early years education, but the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs can support sustainable construction. Our in-house architects design to achieve net zero in operation as standard.

Our recent work with Paper Lane Nursery in Somerset

As demand for nursery places continues to rise, modular buildings are already playing a crucial role in expanding capacity across the UK. A great example is Paper Lane Nursery in Paulton, Somerset, a net-zero, 60-place early years facility built by TG Escapes as part of a wider housing development.

Funded under Section 106, the project was designed with sustainability in mind, featuring an air-source heat pump, rooftop solar PV array, and extensive use of natural timber to reduce its environmental footprint. Thanks to off-site modular construction, the nursery was built in just 12 weeks.

In her 5-star feedback, nursery principal Victoria Westwell wrote “Great attention to detail. Responsive staff and an excellent build that I cannot fault. The finish is truly superb. Would highly recommend their services.".

You can read more about this case study here.

Award-winning modular solutions for early years education

The demand for nursery places is rising due to a range of factors, and modular buildings can offer a clear solution. Our award-winning team design and build sustainable, cost-efficient, and adaptable learning spaces, helping nurseries grow their capacity across the UK.

Every project we undertake starts with a free design service and an upfront price for the finished building. Speak to a member of our team today to get started.