New school-based nurseries to open in 13 areas

Schools in 13 small towns, villages and hamlets in Lancashire are to open or expand their nursery classes to "help fill the childcare gaps", the government has said.

The Department for Education has provided funding for areas "where childcare is needed most", including Penwortham, Treales, Morecambe and Blacko.

The school nurseries will open in September, with the aim of allowing families to access "quality early education" on their doorstep.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she wanted to "give children the strong start they deserve" and "help parents access childcare close to home".

Phillipson said: "Our school-based nurseries are already helping fill the gaps in communities where childcare is hardest to find.

"By expanding these nurseries further and targeting them at the areas that need them most, we are making sure more families can benefit from quality early education while putting practical support in place to help with the cost of living.

"For too long, where a child grows up has shaped what they go on to achieve.

"This government was elected to change that – starting with giving every child the best start in life and making sure every family can access the childcare they need, wherever they live."

Schools in Colne, Burscough, Singleton, Lytham St Annes and Clitheroe are also included.

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