Improving the outdoor spaces for children’s nurseries

There has been a large push towards outdoor learning over the last few years due to growing evidence that it offers unique opportunities to develop knowledge and skills to support those developed in an indoor classroom-like setting.

Outdoor learning is a memorable experience for children and can provide an enriched environment for more active involvement in the learning process. The move to outdoor settings for nursery and schools has been driven further in the past year by the effects of the pandemic, with outdoor spaces deemed to be a safer way to come together. Improvements in wellbeing as a result of outdoor learning can also make it a worthwhile investment.

If you are considering expanding or enhancing your outdoor spaces, there may be tax savings available in the form of capital allowances. The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) can offer much needed tax relief and can provide 100% (130% if the super-deduction is applied) tax relief on the cost of qualifying plant and machinery in the year of purchase. The current limit of £1m remains in place until 31 December 2021, and the super-deduction will be in place from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2023. Outdoor equipment such as climbing frames and swings are classed as plant and machinery and will qualify for capital allowances.

There are also grants from local authority areas or other funders that can further assist with the provision of outdoor education.

If you are considering investing in your outdoor space, please get in touch with our EQ Healthcare team via healthcare@eqaccountants.co.uk or by calling one of our offices to find out what allowances and grants may be available.