I’m welcoming the Government’s announcement of new funding for schools to repurpose buildings for new nursery places, benefiting two schools in Morecambe and Lunesdale, Mossgate Primary School in Heysham and Storth CE Primary School near Arnside.
This scheme is expected to create 20 new places per school and supports plans coming into place from September, giving working parents 30 free hours of childcare a week, from 9 months of age right up to starting school – saving parents up to £7,500 a year. These will boost children’s life chances and parents work choices, which the Government says is part of its mission to break the unfair link between background and success.
I said to local press:
“This is excellent news for two local schools and for families nearby, who will benefit from this expanded nursery provision from September.
“I know from speaking to families across my constituency there is a real need for high-quality early years education that doesn’t break the bank.
“These measures will help local families, enabling to parents get to work, increasing access to childcare when they need it, and supporting the Government’s promise to put more cash in their pockets.
“This is the first step to delivering the 3,000 school-based nurseries which this Labour Government has promised, giving parents choice, and helping every child get the best start in life.”
Rob Smith, Headteacher at Mossgate Primary School, said
“We are delighted that the Government has approved our School-Based Nursery Capital Grant application so that we can open to 3 and 4 year olds from September 2025.
“The funding will allow us to grow as a school and provide our community with high-quality teacher-led nursery education so that our youngest learners get the best start in life. At Mossgate Primary School, we believe that early education is vital for children’s development and school readiness, particularly for those who may need extra support.”
Nichola Buczynski, Chair of Governors at Mossgate Park School added
“The governors at Mossgate Primary School have been clear of the benefits of opening a school-based nursery, including continuity for children and their families and the opportunity to develop expert-led learning which will provide our children with strong foundations for lifelong success.
“I am pleased that our strong application to the Government has been approved, and we are excited that so many families have already signed up to join our school-based nursery from September 2025.”