Five Oldham primary schools to gain nurseries through new funding

Five Oldham primary schools are set to benefit from a £45 million government scheme to create new nursery places, helping local families struggling with childcare costs. Beever Primary School, Rushcroft Primary School, South Failsworth Community Primary School, St John's Church of England Primary School, and St. Theresa's BC Primary School will all receive funding to either create or expand nursery services from September.

The government says the expansion will create over 6,000 new childcare places nationwide, on top of the 6,000 already established in the first phase. For working families, the offer of 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks a year could save parents an average of £8,000 annually per child-a significant boost when household budgets are under pressure.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that the scheme targets areas where childcare is hardest to find, with school nurseries already making up 35% of provision in the most deprived areas compared to just 16% in the least deprived. From May, the approach will shift to a locally-led model where councils rather than individual schools will propose plans for new places in communities with the greatest need.

The initiative forms part of a wider government strategy to improve early years education and support children from deprived backgrounds. Ten local areas will receive additional Early Years Pupil Premium funding of £363 per child, building on a 45% uplift in 2025 and a further 15% this year. Best Start Family Hubs will also open in every local area to host school-based nurseries.