300 Additional School-based Nurseries to Open in September 2026

300 Additional School-based Nurseries to Open in September 2026

As part of the government’s Plan for Change & Best Start policies, a further 300 new or expanded school‑based nurseries will be rolled out from September 2026. Backed by a £45 million fund, this second phase is expected to create around 7,000 additional childcare places through 300 new or expanded school‑based settings. The second round of funding opens on Monday 22nd September, with guidance indicating a focus on communities with limited existing provision.

The policy builds on the first phase, which targeted roughly 300 school‑based nurseries and has delivered over 4,000 new places this September. To date, 189 settings from phase one are operational, with more expected to open as projects reach completion.

The policy’s aim is to increase access in disadvantaged communities, reduce burden of school‑runs, and provide smoother transitions from nursery to Reception. School‑based provision may improve stability for children and convenience for parents.

Sector leaders, however, continue to flag risks that require active management. School‑based expansion must not undermine the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) market, which supplies a substantial share of local capacity. There are reports of incumbent providers being displaced from school premises and of new on‑site settings offering fewer hours or places than the provision they replace. Without sustainable funding rates and fair occupancy assumptions, some local markets could see net capacity loss rather than gain.

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