Three schools set to benefit from new government funding for school nurseries

Three Colchester schools are set to benefit from new government funding for school-based nurseries. The initiative is part of the Labour Government's plan to expand childcare and provide children with a strong start in life. The schools involved are King's Ford Infant School and Nursery, St James' Church of England Primary School and St Teresa's Catholic Primary School.

The scheme will see classrooms converted into high-quality early years spaces, providing new or expanded nursery places. From September, working parents will be able to access 30 hours of government-funded childcare each week, for children aged from nine months up to school age. The move could save parents up to £7,500 a year.



The first 300 schools involved in the scheme will offer an average of 20 childcare places each, with up to 4,000 places available by September and a further 2,000 later in the autumn. The initiative is designed to address the shortage of childcare places in so-called "childcare deserts". The announcement comes alongside the launch of breakfast clubs in primary schools, which are set to save families up to £450 a year.

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said: "School-based nurseries are an essential plank of Labour’s Plan for Change, giving every child the best start in life. "While the Tories made a childcare pledge without a plan, Labour is delivering on its promises. "Alongside our plans to roll out free breakfast clubs, these high-quality childcare places will get thousands more children school ready, breaking the link between background and success for families across the country.

" Labour Colchester MP Pam Cox added: "I am thrilled that Colchester has three schools given funding as part of Labour’s plan to roll out school-based nurseries. "I know from speaking to families across my constituency the need for high-quality education that is available nearby and doesn’t break the bank. "I look forward to visiting the nurseries when they open in September.

"This is evidence that Labour’s Plan for Change is delivering for families and getting children school-ready.".