New school nursery expansion to create 600 childcare places in the South West
32 schools in the region are set to open or expand nurseries in September
Families in the South West are set to gain easier access to childcare as 32 schools prepare to open or expand their nursery services this September.
This initiative aims to support families by providing more local nursery options, aiding parents in balancing work and family commitments, and reducing childcare expenses.
Schools are reporting the expansion will create around 600 new places locally.
Redcliffe’s Children’s Centre and Maintained Nursery School in Bristol is among those benefitting from the funding, enhancing their capacity to serve local families.
"We are so pleased that Redcliffe Nursery School has been selected for this grant and know it will make a huge difference to children and families in our community," said Headteacher Sam Williams.
“This isn’t just about childcare. It is about having a holistic approach to educating and caring for our children and working in partnership with parents and carers to ensure their children are able to make the most of such a crucial period of development. With the grant, we can support more children to Play, Discover and Belong, learning vital early skills and knowledge."
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the importance of nursery expansions in addressing childcare scarcity, stating: "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."
Families across South Gloucestershire, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Plymouth, Torbay, Cornwall, Swindon, and Wiltshire will benefit from enhanced early education funding to support children from lower-income backgrounds, improving school readiness and development.