The UK Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, announced that 300 new state nurseries will open in England’s schools by next September. This initiative aims to prepare for the rollout of free childcare.
Phillipson’s department faces intense pressure as the new free childcare program will begin in September. This program will provide 30 hours of free childcare for eligible parents of children aged nine months and older. Despite challenges regarding staff shortages and the need for nursery spaces, Labour is committed to fulfilling the previous government’s promise.
In a recent interview, Phillipson stated that her department will call for schools with unused classrooms to convert them into nurseries. The goal is to have all 300 nurseries operational by next September.
Funding for schools will start in April 2025. By the time free places are available, the government expects to cover 80% of childcare costs. However, there are serious concerns within the childcare sector about recruitment challenges.
Phillipson warned parents that they may not secure their preferred childcare placements. “We are dedicated to this initiative. We must increase the number of staff, and we are focusing on that,” she said.
The initial phase of the scheme will serve as a test of the new system and its implementation. Phillipson emphasized that many schools are eager to provide this service, recognizing its importance in preparing children for formal education.
“Schools know that high-quality early education significantly impacts children’s readiness for school. Anything that helps children progress before starting school is beneficial for them and for the school,” Phillipson explained. She noted that having nursery classes within primary schools offers convenience for parents and enhances the connections children can build before they start formal schooling.
Despite the enthusiasm, Phillipson acknowledged lingering concerns about the free hours system, which often requires parents to pay additional fees to private providers to cover operating costs. “I recognize that the system is not functioning as it should for many families. If we were to create a system from scratch, we would not start from here,” she said.
Given the program’s substantial costs, Phillipson stressed the importance of demonstrating its benefits, not only for parents and women returning to work but also for child development.
This initiative comes at a time when primary schools report troubling statistics, including an increase in children arriving at school still in diapers and facing significant language delays.
“We need to ensure that the funds invested drive up standards so that children arrive at school ready to learn. Staff must receive the necessary support and training,” Phillipson stated. “There is a need for broader reforms to ensure that the promised places are delivered to parents.”
“It’s essential to make it easy for parents to access their entitlements while ensuring that children do not fall behind by the time they reach school,” she added.
In a speech on Monday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced another significant educational investment: free breakfast clubs in primary schools. She also defended her proposal to impose VAT on private school fees, which has faced criticism from Conservative opponents.
Phillipson remarked that private school fees have surged in recent years, placing them beyond the reach of most families. “Private school fees are now unattainable for the majority of parents in our country,” she concluded.、
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