The new or expanded nurseries are part of the government’s ongoing Plan for Change, which aims to fulfill the promise made during the election to increase the number of school-based nurseries across the country
The government has confirmed that the first wave of 300 new school-based nurseries will open across the country this September, providing thousands of families with greater access to affordable and high-quality childcare.
This major initiative will significantly reduce childcare costs for parents, with government-funded 30-hour childcare saving families up to £7,500 annually. Additionally, parents will benefit from free breakfast clubs in schools, saving an average of £450 per year. The total funding for the programme has been more than doubled, reaching £37 million, which will also help introduce universal free breakfast clubs in all primary schools, ensuring children start their day ready to learn.
The new or expanded nurseries are part of the government’s ongoing Plan for Change, which aims to fulfill the promise made during the election to increase the number of school-based nurseries across the country. The first 300 nurseries will be located in towns and cities from Exeter to North Tyneside, offering an average of 20 places per site. This phase will provide up to 6,000 new nursery places, with 4,000 set to be available by the end of September.
These school-based nurseries will play a critical role in ensuring children receive high-quality early education, which experts say is vital for children’s development and school readiness. Early education is particularly important for children from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with special educational needs, and research has shown that school-based settings tend to offer more inclusive environments, aiding children’s transition into Reception.
The government’s expansion of school-based nurseries, which is expected to continue in future phases, will help bridge the gap in childcare access, particularly in areas with high levels of deprivation. According to the Department for Education, the majority of new nurseries in this first phase are located in the North or Midlands, with about 10% in the North East. This focus will particularly benefit communities that have long struggled with limited access to affordable childcare.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that improving early years education is one of her top priorities. “We’ve set a hugely important milestone to get tens of thousands more children every year school-ready by age 5 as part of our Plan for Change. We’re raising the bar for early years and delivering on our manifesto commitments,” she said.
School leaders and education advocates have praised the initiative. Alex Armstrong, Headteacher at Bloemfontein Primary School, is among those welcoming the new funding. “This funding will enable us to transform unused school space into a vibrant learning environment for children from birth to five,” Armstrong said. “The benefits of school-based nursery provision are immense, including continuity for children and families and the opportunity for expert-led learning that provides strong foundations for lifelong success.”
Jason Elsom, Chief Executive of Parentkind, an organization representing parents, also commended the initiative. “Parents often struggle with finding good-quality childcare, and many will welcome this investment. School-based nurseries make life easier for parents by providing a reliable, local option,” he said.
