Government-funded nursery opening at Halifax school
It's part of a £45m boost to school nursery provision across England
Last updated 25th Mar 2026
Local parents will soon be able have their children looked after by a Government-funded school-based nursery in north Halifax.
The Government has chosen Trinity Academy Whitehill at Illingworth as one of the schools included in the next phase of its £45 million school-based nursery scheme roll-out, Halifax MP Kate Dearden has announced.
Ms Dearden (Labour) said more children in Halifax will have access to high-quality early years education, helping to ensure all children have the best start in life, as a result.
She said the announcement builds on the difference already being made by Ash Green primary’s school-based nursery, which opened last year at neighbouring Mixenden.
Ms Dearden claimed Labour’s early years’ policies are halving the cost of childcare.
Following the Government’s announcement that this phase of the roll-out focused on serving areas with childcare “cold spots” in some of the most disadvantaged communities, she said she wrote to Halifax schools last year, encouraging them to apply and backing schools that had put forward applications
She said: “I know from speaking to local families, just the difference this will make – with more children able to access high-quality education from day one, and less stress for parents on the school run.
“A huge thank you to Trinity Academy Whitehill for putting forward such an impressive bid and for the work they have put in to make this happen.
“I can’t wait to see this nursery in action!”
Chris Kimberley, Principal of Trinity Academy Whitehill said the school’s application for a school-based nursery grant to open a dedicated “Two-Year-Old provision” had been successful.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our community, enabling us to support children from the very earliest stages of their education and provide a strong, consistent foundation for their future learning.
“We are particularly proud that this provision will help serve families in our local area, ensuring more children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can access high-quality early years education.
“This reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of our community and giving every child the very best start in life,” he said.
He said the school welcomed local families to find out more at two events, at the school from 10am to 11am on Friday, May 8, and 4pm to 5pm on Wednesday, May 13.
There are also more details about the meetings and the new nursery on the school’s website (https://whitehill.trinitymat.org).