A Labour Government plans to create 3,334 new school-based nurseries, utilising the surplus capacity within primary schools due to declining birth rates.
Labour has announced a major initiative to convert unused primary school classrooms into nurseries. The scheme, unveiled by Labour leader Keir Starmer and shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson, aims to transform 3,334 classrooms to provide 100,000 additional childcare places, particularly in under-served areas. This move is designed to meet the expected increase in demand from Labour’s expansion of funded childcare hours.
Funded by revenue generated from ending tax breaks for private schools, these new nurseries could be managed either by the schools themselves or by local PVI (private, voluntary, and independent) providers. Labour estimates the cost of retrofitting each classroom into a nursery at around £40,000.
Labour’s vision is to provide children with a stronger start in life, enhancing their readiness for school. This initiative is also expected to improve childcare availability and quality in areas experiencing severe shortages, often referred to as ‘childcare deserts’.
This announcement follows Labour’s successful amendment to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act, empowering local councils to deliver new childcare services to their communities.
Labour also intends to tighten childcare regulations, collaborating with Ofsted to ensure government spending on childcare results in the best outcomes for children and families.
Keir Starmer, commenting on the plans, stated, “Childcare is critical infrastructure. It’s vital for children’s opportunities and essential for a stable economy. After 14 years of Conservative governance, too many children start school already behind, and too many parents are hindered from achieving their career goals.”
Bridget Phillipson added, “Families across the country are desperate for high-quality early years education but are stuck on waiting lists, paying exorbitant fees, and unable to secure the promised places and free hours, repeatedly let down by a Conservative government that fails to deliver.
“The evidence is clear: school-based nurseries provide high-quality education that enables children to excel in primary school. The 3,334 new nurseries we are announcing today are central to Labour’s mission for half a million more children to reach early learning goals by 2030, providing a solid foundation for future success.”
“Childcare is critical infrastructure. It’s vital for children’s opportunities and essential for a stable economy.” – Keir Starmer
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