Over 300 more schools chosen for nursery funding

The government has announced that a further 331 schools have been successful in applying for a share of £45 million to build or expand nurseries on their site.

However, from May, the government has announced that the programme will see councils, rather than schools, invited to propose plans for new places.

For the first time, Best Start Family Hubs, soon to be opening in every local area, will also be able to host school-based nurseries. This will bring childcare together with family support, health visiting and early identification of special educational needs and disabilities under one roof – meaning more joined up support, for more families.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "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."

Headteacher at Hillsborough Primary in Sheffield, Nicola Wileman, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen for this grant - it’s such a great thing for our school and our whole community.

"Our area has faced real challenges over recent years, with higher levels of deprivation and a drop in nursery provision since Covid, meaning too many children were starting school without having accessed early childcare.

"This expansion will help us ensure every local family has access to a quality, trusted nursery, giving children the best possible start in life and helping parents get back into work and back into the community."