300+ new school nurseries to help cut childcare costs for families – what it means for you

Parents could soon find childcare cheaper and easier to access, as the government has confirmed that over 300 more schools will open or expand nurseries from September.  

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Our school-based nurseries are already helping fill the gaps in communities where childcare is hardest to find, giving children the strong start they deserve and helping parents access childcare close to home. 

“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.”  

The aim is to help families struggling with childcare costs, especially in the hardest‑hit areas.  

What this means for you 

Here’s what these changes mean for you if you’re a parent.  

1. More nursery places where families need them most 

As part of the plans, 331 schools have been given a share of £45 million to build or grow nurseries on their site.  

This will create over 6,000 new childcare places across England, in locations ranging from St Ives to Gateshead.  

These places are targeted at areas with childcare shortages, which means if you live somewhere with long waiting lists or no nearby options, help may finally be coming.   

2. Big savings on childcare costs 

School‑based nurseries work hand‑in‑hand with the government’s weekly 30 hours funded childcare offer, which many working parents already use. 

Together, these can cut childcare costs in half, saving families up to £8,000 a year on average. 

3. Easier mornings and fewer drop‑offs 

Many parents know the stress of rushing between nursery and school every morning. In fact, 37% of parents say being able to drop off siblings in one place is a major benefit, while 6 in 10 say school-based nurseries help their child get ready for starting school. Nurseries based on school sites help with both these issues.  

4. Better support for children in poorer areas 

Children in more deprived communities are often less likely to reach a good level of development by age five. The expansion is focused on fixing this. 

School‑based nurseries already make up 35% of childcare places in the poorest areas, but only 16% in the least deprived. However, this expansion aims to further close the gap.  

5. Councils will soon help decide where nurseries go 

From May, councils (instead of schools) will put forward plans for where new nursery places should be created. This change is designed to make sure new places go exactly where families need them most.  

6. Childcare and family support under one roof 

For the first time, Best Start Family Hubs will be able to host school nurseries. These hubs bring together: 

• Family support 

• Health visiting 

• Help with special educational needs (SEND) 

• Early education 

This means families can get joined‑up support in one place rather than being sent from service to service.  

7. Extra help for children who need it most 

Ten local areas will soon receive an extra £363 per child through the Early Years Pupil Premium. This money helps nurseries improve staff training and learning resources, as well as introduce activities that boost child development.  

The local areas include:  

• Brighton and Hove 

• Durham 

• Islington 

• Leeds 

• Luton 

• Nottinghamshire 

• Rochdale 

• Rotherham 

• Torbay  

• Sandwell   

More areas will join the programme next year. 

Why is the expansion happening now?  

The expansion is designed to help more parents get back to work by making childcare easier to access, and reduce household bills while “giving every child the best start in life”.  

Headteachers also say the funding will help children who missed out on early learning after Covid and give families reliable, local nursery options.