South East Cornwall Schools Invited to Apply for Nursery Funding

South East Cornwall schools are being encouraged to apply for funding to open nurseries directly on primary school grounds as part of Labour’s Best Start strategy.

The Government has confirmed a further 300 new or expanded nurseries will open next year, building on the rollout of 30-hours of government-funded childcare for working families in Cornwall. The move aims to make high-quality early years education more accessible and affordable.

A call from Anna Gelderd

Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, is urging schools to apply for the next wave of funding. She said:

“People in South East Cornwall often speak to me about how difficult childcare costs can be for their families’ finances.

“Providing 30 government-funded hours of childcare means that parents can save up to £7,500 a year.

“I’m calling on schools across South East Cornwall to join the next wave of nurseries on primary school grounds as part of the next step in ensuring that our children get the best start in life.”

📷Anna Gelderd MP In the Chamber

Tackling childcare cold spots

The announcement follows 4,000 extra school-based nursery places being made available across England this month after an initial £37 million investment. The Government says the next phase will tackle childcare cold spots and prioritise bids from schools in disadvantaged communities.

Schools can apply for up to £150,000 each from a £45 million fund to create new or expanded nurseries, with up to 7,000 more places planned from September 2026.

A consistent environment for children

School-based nurseries are designed to give children a consistent learning environment from early years through to age 11, making life easier for working parents by reducing the need for multiple drop-offs.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“The change we have delivered for working people this September is just the beginning — through our Plan for Change we are determined to give more children the best start in life.

“School-based nurseries offer a nurturing and stable environment for children that carries through into primary and helping hand for working parents tackling dual drop off.

“Delivering more of these — under our Best Start umbrella — means more choice and convenience for parents, and more opportunities to fill the childcare cold spots impacting families most in need of that little extra support.”

📷Anna With Bridget Phillipson