Approximately 200 school-based nurseries are poised to launch in England this September under the government’s initiative to enhance childcare accessibility for working parents. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will unveil this milestone, highlighting that these establishments will cater to 4,000 children under school age. An additional batch of such nurseries is slated to open in the fall, increasing the total count to 300, alongside other measures such as free breakfast clubs, increased free childcare hours, and controls on the cost of school uniforms.
Phillipson emphasized the critical role of the early years sector in this progress, particularly praising the dedication of professionals who have worked tirelessly to make these improvements a reality. She underscored that this September marks the beginning of significant change, aimed at preparing tens of thousands more children annually for school, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the chances they need to succeed.
The plan for the establishment of 300 new state-funded nurseries within a year was first proposed by Phillipson prior to the Labour Party conference. The government has noted that the first 200 sites set to open are surpassing expected capacity, offering a projected 4,000 places. These schools have been strategically chosen for areas currently lacking adequate childcare options, with each site expected to offer around 20 places, totaling up to 6,000 new places upon the program’s completion.
The government projects that the provision of 30 funded hours of childcare per week could save parents an average of £7,500, with additional savings of £450 annually from the introduction of free breakfast clubs in schools. Further, nearly £370 million in additional funding has been allocated to support the program’s future, including transforming unused classrooms into early years settings.
Wayne Wathen-Howell, headteacher of Minet infant and nursery school in Hayes, expressed pride in opening a new nursery within the school. He noted the community’s demand for affordable, high-quality childcare and how the new nursery will ease the balance between work and family life, providing young children with a strong start in life in a familiar and supportive setting.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/jun/30/about-200-new-nurseries-to-open-at-schools-in-england-in-september
