The UK government has confirmed the launch of 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries across England, creating over 4,000 additional childcare places this September to ease pressures on working parents and improve children’s early years education.
The rollout, part of the government’s Plan for Change, is backed by £37 million in funding. It aims to reduce the stress of multiple drop-offs, provide stability for children, and expand childcare access in disadvantaged communities.
Delivering the First Phase of Expansion
The government reports that 189 of the new or expanded nurseries are already operating, while others are preparing to open. Together, they will deliver more than 4,000 new places this September.
Officials argue that school-based nurseries not only cut down on the school run for parents but also help children benefit from consistent environments.
By learning alongside siblings and peers within familiar school settings, young children are better prepared for their transition into formal education.
“School-based nurseries can offer a nurturing and stable environment for children that carries through into primary, and a helping hand for working parents tackling dual drop off.”
Bridget Phillipson — Education Secretary
Benefits for Families and Children
- Reduced logistical pressures for working parents balancing childcare and careers
- Greater stability for children through consistent early learning environments
These improvements reflect the government’s commitment to giving children the best possible start while making life easier for families across the country.
School-Based Nursery Expansion Highlights
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nurseries opening | 300 across England |
| Additional places | 4,000 from September 2025 |
| Funding | £37m initial investment |
| Future phase | 7,000 more places by 2026 |
| Priority areas | Disadvantaged communities |
Future Growth and Wider Reforms
The next phase will invite schools to bid for a share of £45 million to create an additional 300 nurseries by 2026. This expansion could deliver up to 7,000 more places, with priority given to schools serving disadvantaged areas.
The announcement coincides with the introduction of 30 hours of free childcare for children aged nine months up to reception year.
Take-up is projected to exceed 500,000 children, with nine in ten parents securing one of their top three nursery choices.
Voices from Schools and Parents
Schools backed by the scheme report immediate benefits. Cinnamon Brow CE Primary partnered with Let’s Be Kids to offer 15 new places for children as young as nine months.
Headteacher Rachel Pimblett said families now enjoy continuity of care and expanded wraparound provision.
Parents echo this sentiment. Adeola Olasosebikan, whose daughters attend St George’s Catholic Primary Academy in Scarborough, explained that having childcare and school in one location has been transformative.
With access to a free breakfast club, she and her husband can balance long working hours with greater confidence.
Economic and Social Impact
The initiative also draws praise from family advocacy groups. Working Families CEO Jane van Zyl highlighted how affordable childcare removes barriers to employment, particularly for mothers.
Gingerbread Interim CEO Lisa Pearce stressed the importance of availability in so-called “childcare deserts,” where expanded provision will provide crucial support for single parents.
The reforms also complement other measures under the Plan for Change, including £9 billion funding for the early years sector, caps on school uniform costs, and £1.4 billion for repairing classrooms.
Together, these measures aim to strengthen family stability, improve education outcomes, and support wider economic growth.
Bottom Line
The rollout of 300 school-based nurseries represents a major step in reshaping childcare provision in England. By creating thousands of new places and focusing on disadvantaged communities, the government is addressing longstanding challenges faced by families.
As part of a broader set of reforms, this initiative reflects a commitment to boosting opportunities, easing pressures on working parents, and ensuring every child benefits from a strong start in life.
Sources: Working Families, Gingerbread, St George’s Catholic Primary Academy, Department for Education, Stephen Morgan MP and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
