Created: 17th April, 2025
Robert joined Barker in 2002 and is a Partner based in our Braintree office. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he has over 20 years’ experience of all core building surveying services and provides strategic estates advice to key accounts in the education, commercial, ecclesiastical and public sectors.
An education specialist, he provides the following services: estates and energy strategy, asset management planning, project management and capital funding applications.
Robert works closely with clients to plan and implement energy efficiency and sustainability strategies to save money, reduce carbon emissions and meet ESG objectives.
As a RICS Certified Historic Buildings Professional he provides conservation consultancy for clients with listed and historic buildings.
Robert is an experienced APC Assessor and Chairman and is also an external examiner for Anglia Ruskin University
As a Partner Robert leads the Business Development and Marketing function at Barker, builds relationships with key sector bodies and helps steer the strategic growth of the company.
Email: rgould@barker-associates.co.uk
Tel: 01279 648057
In October 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) introduced an exciting opportunity for English state-funded primary-phase schools to enhance their early education offerings. The School-Based Nursery Capital Grant is a visionary initiative aimed at transforming surplus school spaces into vibrant nursery provisions. With a generous funding allocation of up to £150,000, schools across England are poised to benefit significantly from this scheme.
The application outcomes for the 2024 round were announced on 02 April 2025. The DfE received 642 applications and awarded 300 schools a total of £37 million under the school-based nursery capital grant for 2024 to 2025.
At Barker, we understand the nuances of nursery provision and the specifics of the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant application process. With our extensive experience in school management and early education, we are uniquely positioned to help schools navigate this opportunity.
Barker can assist your school in addressing the technical aspects of the application, which constitute 35% of the overall evaluation. Our expert team offers bespoke solutions that encompass project planning, ensuring the suitability of the proposed space, navigating permissions and approvals, and managing project costs effectively.
Moreover, our consultative approach is designed to enhance your project’s value proposition. We support schools in demonstrating the local childcare needs and in developing robust approaches towards early years education, both of which are critical components of the application process.
“We are absolutely delighted to have achieved a huge success rate. It’s a fantastic result and one that underscores the value of our collaborative, informed approach.”
James Johnson, Partner and Head of Building Surveying at Barker
If your school is considering applying for the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant, now is the time to act. Ensure that your institution meets the eligibility criteria and comprehensively understands the requirements outlined in the grant guidance. Planning your project meticulously and aligning with strategic partners like Barker will be key to a successful application.
We at Barker are enthusiastic about the potential of this grant to transform early education landscapes, and we are here to help your school achieve its vision. Reach out to us today, and let us embark on this transformative journey together. Together, we can create nurturing educational environments that benefit children, schools, and communities across England.
Watch our latest update video here: