Wed Sep 25 10:02:35 UTC 2024: ## Government Launches First Phase of 3,000 Nursery Expansion Plan
**London, [Date]** – The UK government has announced the first phase of its ambitious plan to create 3,000 new nurseries by upgrading spare spaces in primary schools. The program, set to launch next month, will offer £15 million in capital funding to schools across the country.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson revealed that this initial round will support the creation or expansion of up to 300 nurseries. Schools will be required to demonstrate how their proposals will address local needs, supporting the government’s 2025 expansion of free childcare to 30 hours per week for working parents.
The initiative aims to address the uneven distribution of early years provision across the UK, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The government will use the first phase to gather data and ensure the program effectively benefits all children and families, including those in underserved communities.
“This is the first step towards delivering on our commitment to make early years education and childcare more widely available, accessible, and high quality,” said Phillipson.
Successful schools will receive funding in Spring 2025 to support the development of the first cohort of nursery places. The government encourages schools interested in participating to engage with local authorities, governing bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
The program will be evaluated over its first phase, with learnings incorporated into future rounds. The government intends to broaden the program’s reach in subsequent phases, targeting areas with high demand.
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