PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP
WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, has celebrated Hitchin’s Strathmore and Infant Nursery School being part of a new government scheme to expand school-based nurseries.
Already a school-based nursery, this funding will allow Strathmore to increase its numbers.
The Government roll out will fund 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries by converting classrooms into top quality early years spaces.
From September, across the country, working parents will get 30 government-funded hours of childcare a week, from 9 months of age right up to starting school - saving parents up to £7,500 a year.
The first 300 schools will see an average of 20 childcare places per site, with up to 4,000 of these available by September and a further 2,000 later this autumn. Places will be focused in childcare ‘deserts’, where up until now families have been missing out due to a shortage of places.
This announcement comes alongside the rollout of breakfast clubs in primary schools, with the first 750 schools set to launch later this month – saving families up to £450 a year.
Alistair Strathern MP said:
“I am thrilled that Strathmore Infant and Nursery School has been given funding as part of Labour’s plan to roll out and expand school-based nurseries.
“I know from speaking to families across my constituency the need for high-quality early-years support that is available nearby and doesn’t break the bank.
“On top of our universal free breakfast clubs, I am glad to see this Government making a big difference for families on childcare.”
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.”
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