Government Unveils Major Expansion of School-Based Nurseries
In a significant move to enhance childcare accessibility, ministers have announced the creation of over 300 new or revamped school-based nurseries across the United Kingdom. This initiative, backed by a £45 million funding pot, is set to provide thousands of additional childcare places starting from September, marking a substantial boost for hard-pressed families balancing work and family life.
Keir Starmer Hails 'Seismic Shift' in Childcare Support
Labour leader Keir Starmer has praised the announcement as a "seismic shift" in how childcare supports families. He emphasised the challenges parents face in juggling work and early parenting, stating that school-based nurseries are already transforming support systems. The new wave of 331 nurseries builds on a previous rollout of 300 announced last April, aiming to cut costs, simplify school runs, and alleviate pressure on household budgets.
Funding and Impact on Communities
The Department for Education (DfE) confirmed that the £45 million investment will fund the construction or expansion of nurseries on school premises, creating approximately 6,000 new childcare places. This expansion spans from St Ives to Gateshead, targeting areas where childcare is scarce. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted that these nurseries help fill gaps in communities, providing children with a strong start and enabling parents to access childcare close to home.
Background and Political Commitments
This initiative aligns with Labour's 2024 election manifesto pledge to open 3,000 nurseries by upgrading space in primary schools nationwide. Since September last year, working parents of children older than nine months have been eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare weekly. The new school-based nurseries are expected to further increase the availability of places, supporting families amidst ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Starmer added, "As a parent, I know how hard it can be to juggle work and family life, especially in those early days where time is precious and sleep is short. This is about targeting support where it's needed most, easing the cost of living and giving every child the best start in life."
The full list of 331 schools receiving funding has been published, detailing the locations set to benefit from this childcare expansion.
