More than 40 schools across the South East are preparing to launch or extend nursery facilities from September, thanks to Government support.

The initiative will generate approximately 900 additional childcare spaces for local families, with the goal of simplifying school runs for parents and ensuring young children are better equipped for their move into full-time schooling.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that existing school-based nurseries are already addressing shortages in areas where childcare options are limited, providing children with a solid foundation and enabling parents to find care nearby.

She noted that by extending these nursery facilities and concentrating them in the regions with greatest need, more families would gain access to high-quality early years education while receiving practical assistance with living costs.

Phillipson added that a child’s postcode has historically determined their future opportunities, and this administration was elected to transform that situation by guaranteeing every child the best possible start and ensuring all families can obtain the childcare they require, regardless of location.

The funding forms part of the Government’s broader childcare package, which currently assists in excess of one million parents across the country and can reduce costs for eligible working families by as much as 8,000 pounds annually for each child.

One school receiving support is Broadlea Primary.

Headteacher Lynn Torrance expressed her delight at securing the funding, describing it as a valuable chance to provide more children locally with excellent early years experiences through high-quality provision.

She explained that by growing the existing partnership with Berryhill Childcare and the school’s on-site nursery, 25 extra children and their families could join a supportive environment where every child could develop successfully.

This enhanced collaboration would enable children to receive continuous assistance during their early years as they progress into Reception classes.

Torrance highlighted that numerous families on the Isle of Wight encounter difficulties, with some youngsters starting school having had no nursery experience at all.

She said that broadening the nursery’s reach meant reaching more families requiring assistance, enabling children to develop vital communication, social and emotional abilities at an earlier stage.

Torrance noted that the investment extended beyond simply generating childcare places, representing an opportunity to ensure every child in the community, irrespective of their circumstances, could commence their educational path with assurance and the readiness to reach their full potential.

In the programme’s next stage, local authorities will direct strategies for new nurseries, applying their understanding of regional requirements to establish facilities where demand is greatest.