Royd Nursery Infant School receives “landmark” government funding for nursery to save parents £7,500 a year

Royd Nursery Infant School has been given government funding to for an expanded school-based nursery, as part of the first wave of 300 schools chosen. Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has welcomed the government’s announcement, which will put up to £7,500 back in parents’ pockets per year. 

From September, the government’s new childcare expansion package will provide working parents with 30 government-funded hours of childcare a week from 9 months of age right up to starting school. The new school-based nurseries will deliver the additional places needed for this scheme, by converting classrooms into top quality early years spaces. 

Places will be focused in childcare ‘deserts’ where, up until now, families have been missing out due to a shortage of places.  

The expanded nursery in Royd Nursery Infant School is part of the first step to delivering the 3,000 school-based nurseries to provide 6,000 more childcare places which Labour promised in its election-winning manifesto. 

This announcement comes alongside the rollout of breakfast clubs in primary schools, with the first 750 schools set to launch later this month, including in High Green Primary School – saving families up to £450 a year. 

These plans will put children and families first, giving parents choice closer to home. 

Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: 

“I am delighted that Royd Nursery Infant School has been given landmark funding by the government as part of the first wave of 300 school-based nurseries to be rolled out, to ensure all children are ready for school and get high-quality education right from the start. 

“From speaking to families across our communities, and as a local mum myself, I understand the need for high-quality childcare and education, that doesn’t break the bank and is available locally.

“Children and families across our communities will be among the first in the country to benefit from the plans, and I’m so pleased the government has recognised the needs of our local families. 

“Together with Labour’s free breakfast clubs in all primary schools, the government are delivering for families across our communities, savings parents an average of £7,500 per year and helping every child get the best start in life.” 

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said: 

“School-based nurseries are an essential part 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.”