Over 300 new or upgraded school-based nurseries have been announced by government ministers, providing additional childcare places starting this September.
Keir Starmer praised the move as a significant change in how childcare supports families managing work responsibilities. The initial batch of 300 new school-based nurseries was introduced last April.
Today, the government revealed that 331 schools have secured funding from a £45 million allocation to construct or expand nurseries on their premises. This initiative, led by the Department for Education (DfE), aims to generate 6,000 more childcare spots for children across various regions from St Ives to Gateshead.
The Labour Party’s 2024 election manifesto committed to establishing an additional 3,000 nurseries by repurposing space in primary schools nationwide. Since September of last year, working parents with children over nine months old have been eligible for 30 hours of subsidized childcare weekly. The new school-based nurseries will further enhance the availability of childcare options for families.
Keir Starmer commented, “As a parent, I understand the challenges of balancing work and family life, especially in the early stages where time is limited and rest is scarce.
“School-based nurseries have already brought about a significant shift in how childcare supports families. Now, with over 300 new nurseries, we are expanding on successful strategies, reducing childcare expenses, streamlining the school commute, and assisting parents during times of financial strain. This initiative targets support to where it is most needed, alleviating the cost of living and giving every child a strong start in life.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated, “Our school-based nurseries are already bridging childcare gaps in communities where services are scarce, offering children a solid foundation and enabling parents to access childcare conveniently close to home.”
View the complete list of the 331 new school-based nurseries below.
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