The UK government has announced a major expansion of school-based nurseries, aiming to ease childcare costs and improve access for families in the country’s most disadvantaged areas.
From September, more than 300 schools will either open new nurseries or expand existing ones, creating over 6,000 additional childcare places. This builds on an earlier phase of the programme, which is already delivering a similar number of places nationwide.
Backed by £45 million in funding, the initiative is designed to tackle gaps in childcare provision—particularly in lower-income communities where access remains limited. Officials say the expansion could help families save up to £8,000 a year when combined with existing government-funded childcare schemes.
School-based nurseries have become increasingly popular among working parents, offering convenience and cost savings. Many families benefit from fewer daily drop-offs, while children gain early exposure to structured learning environments that help prepare them for school.
Recent data shows that more than one million parents are now using the government’s funded childcare offer. However, uptake remains significantly lower in poorer areas, prompting a more targeted approach in this latest rollout.
Currently, school-based nurseries account for around 35% of childcare provision in the most deprived communities—more than double the share seen in wealthier areas. The government hopes this expansion will help close that gap.
In a shift in strategy, the next phase of the programme will be locally led. From May, councils will take the lead in identifying where new nursery places are most needed, rather than schools applying directly for funding.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Childcare costs have weighed on working families for too long - pushing parents out of work and stretching household budgets to breaking point.
Today’s figures show we’ve halved those costs in two years, and families are now thousands of pounds better off. As we continue to roll out free breakfast clubs, free school meals and Best Start Family Hubs, we are giving working families the real, practical cost of living support they need to get on”.
Additionally, new “Best Start Family Hubs” will begin hosting nursery provision, bringing together childcare, family support services, health visits, and early identification of special educational needs under one roof.
The expansion is part of a broader effort to support families facing rising living costs. Alongside childcare savings, households are expected to benefit from free breakfast clubs, capped school uniform costs, and expanded access to free school meals.
Further support is also being directed at early years education. Ten local areas will receive an additional £363 per child through the Early Years Pupil Premium, on top of significant funding increases already introduced.
Government officials argue that improving early access to childcare is critical. Children in the most deprived areas are currently more than 20 percentage points less likely to reach expected development levels by the age of five.
Parents appear to welcome the move. Surveys suggest 37% value the convenience of dropping off multiple children in one place, while nearly 60% believe school-based nurseries help ease the transition into formal education.
Education leaders on the ground say the investment could make a tangible difference. In areas hit by declining nursery provision since the pandemic, schools report that too many children are starting education without prior early years experience.
The government says the programme is ultimately about more than childcare—it's about improving life chances. By focusing resources where they are most needed, officials hope to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality early education and a strong start in life.
Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA said: “We are overjoyed that the Government has recognised the enormous benefits of our Maths Champions programme and agreed to fund a further 5,000 places. This includes private, voluntary and independent nurseries as well as those in schools.
Over the past couple of years, many thousands of children have had this additional support with their early numeracy – and this also boosts their early language skills – which gives them a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
We are incredibly proud of this programme, which continues to grow from strength to strength and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and educators alike. Through the power of early intervention, we are helping to build confidence, spark curiosity and create strong foundations for learning maths that lasts a lifetime.
Thanks to this funding, NDNA is committed to ensuring that everyone who wants to be part of this journey has the opportunity to participate. Together, we can inspire a love of maths from the very start. Visit our website to get involved and become a Maths Champion today”.