More than 300 schools will receive funding to build on-site nurseries, creating more than 6,000 additional childcare places across England, the Government has said.
The Department for Education (DfE) said the move is designed to help families cut childcare costs and make the school run easier.
It is also intended to support more parents returning to work, with school-based nurseries making up 35 per cent of childcare provision in the most deprived areas, compared with 16 per cent in the least deprived.
A total of 331 schools have secured a share of £45 million to build or expand nurseries, with each eligible for up to £150,000.
Construction is expected to begin from September, with the new nursery places opening in September 2026.
DfE figures show more than one million parents are already using the Government’s funded childcare offer.
Sir Keir Starmer is due to visit a nursery in London on Monday to outline plans to expand school-based provision.
He said: “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.
Sir Keir Starmer said the Government was going ‘even further’ by expanding nurseries
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“School-based nurseries are already driving a seismic shift in how childcare supports families. Now we’re going even further.”
Labour has pledged to create more than 3,300 new nurseries in existing primary schools as part of its manifesto commitments.
The party says the expansion will deliver more than 100,000 places for children from nine months old, backed by £140 million in funding.
However, critics have described the plans as a short-term fix for a system already struggling to meet demand.
Bridget Phillipson said the increase in nurseries would give children the ‘strong start’ they deserve
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Some parents also say that despite the offer of free nursery hours, costs remain high as providers pass on increased operating expenses linked to changes in employers’ National Insurance.
From May, local authorities – rather than individual schools – will submit bids for nursery funding.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Our school-based nurseries are already helping fill the gaps in communities where childcare is hardest to find, giving children the strong start they deserve and helping parents access childcare close to home.
“By expanding these nurseries further and targeting them at the areas that need them most, we are making sure more families can benefit from quality early education while putting practical support in place to help with the cost of living.
300 additional nurseries are set to be established in school (file photo)
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“For too long, where a child grows up has shaped what they go on to achieve.
“This government was elected to change that – starting with giving every child the best start in life and making sure every family can access the childcare they need, wherever they live.”
The Government also said new Best Start Family Hubs – set to open in every local authority – will host school-based nurseries.
Ten areas, including Brighton and Hove, Durham, Islington, Leeds, Luton, Nottingham, Rochdale, Rotherham, Torbay and Sandwell, will receive an additional Early Years Pupil Premium boost.
These providers will get an extra £363 per child to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
