Parents in Plymouth are set to benefit from an expansion of school‑based nursery places as four schools in the city secure Government capital funding to develop or enhance on‑site nursery provision.
The investment aims to strengthen childcare access locally, support parents with the rising cost of living and ensure more children can benefit from high‑quality early years education.
The funding will enable the four schools to create additional nursery capacity from September, helping increase the number of places available to families and improving access in areas where childcare pressures are most acute.
The successful schools are:
- Ham Drive Nursery School and Day Care
- Hooe Primary Academy
- Plym Bridge Nursery School and Day Care
- Prince Rock Primary School
The expansion forms part of a wider national programme designed to ensure families with young children can access high‑quality early education close to home. For eligible working parents, school‑based nursery places, combined with existing Government childcare entitlements, can provide average annual savings of around £8,000 per child, helping to ease pressure on household budgets and making it easier for parents to balance work and family life.
School‑based nurseries already play a significant role in supporting early childhood development and removing barriers to childcare access. They help simplify the school run for families with multiple children, reduce the number of daily drop‑offs, and provide a familiar, trusted environment for young children as they prepare to move into primary education.
David Haley, Director of Children’s Services at Plymouth City Council, said: “This is very welcome news for Plymouth. Expanding nursery places within our schools will give more families access to high‑quality early years provision and help reduce pressures around childcare availability and affordability. This investment will support parents who want to return to work, improve stability for families and ensure more children can benefit from the strongest possible start in life.”
Kate Lewin from Hooe Primary Academy, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected for this funding. A new nursery will make a real difference to local families, particularly those who have struggled to secure a place nearby. Having the provision in the school will support children’s early development and help parents manage childcare alongside work and other commitments. We cannot wait to open in September!”
