Terry Jermy, Labour MP for South West Norfolk, has welcomed the government’s landmark expansion of 30 hours’ funded childcare and the roll-out of government-funded school-based nurseries, calling them a “game-changer for working families across South West Norfolk and the country.”
The expansion of the Free Childcare for Working Parents Scheme will save eligible families up to £7,500 a year on average by doubling the number of government-funded free childcare hours.
Launching in conjunction with the scheme’s landmark expansion, is the roll-out of the first government-funded school-based nurseries, which sees the opening of hundreds of new or expanded nurseries on school grounds across the country, including at Swaffham CofE Primary Academy.
Visiting Swaffham CofE Primary Academy in South West Norfolk, Jermy met staff and toured the new school-based nursery facilities.
Terry Jermy MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, said:
“I praise the Government’s innovative approach to solving the childcare crisis it inherited, and the support being unlocked for families. The rollout of school-based nurseries and the doubling of free childcare hours will make a real and tangible difference.”
“After years of neglect and rising costs under the Conservatives, Labour is delivering for families in South West Norfolk. Parents and carers here have told me this support is a game-changer – helping them to stay in work, easing the cost of living, and giving every child the best possible start in life.”
“I saw first-hand at Swaffham CofE Primary Academy just how much this support really means – parents able to stay in work, children thriving in high-quality early education, and staff proud to be part of something transformative. It’s a huge step forward for families, and I am proud to back it.”
Nicola Kaye, Headteacher of Swaffham CofE Primary Academy said:
“We are delighted to be improving our school’s offer for families with the opening of our brand-new nursery. It was wonderful to welcome Terry to our school to see the refurbishments we have made as a result of being awarded the School Based Nursery Capital Grant. This grant has enabled us to meet local need and provide high-quality early years learning for children aged 3 to 4 initially, with further plans to extend our provision to 2-year-olds later in the academic year.”
Despite inheriting a broken system, this Labour government has delivered the largest ever expansion of government-funded childcare, with over half a million children set to benefit this month alone.
The expansion is a key part of Labour’s Plan for Change – delivering practical support for families, boosting local economies, and helping parents stay in work.
Parents are also now able to access an all-new online platform, BestStartinLife.gov.uk to offer support beyond the nursery door, with everything they need to give their children the best start in their early years and beyond.
In the months ahead, the site will expand with new guidance and content, becoming a go-to destination for families navigating the early years and beyond.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
“Today shows what change looks like – mums, dads and carers with pounds back in their pockets, children getting the best start in life, and the British economy given a whopping boost.”
“It was never going to be easy, but against all odds we’ve delivered through our Plan for Change.”
“And this is just the beginning. My vision for early years goes beyond this milestone. I want access to high-quality early years for every single family that needs it, without strings and without unfair charges.”
“Over the next few years, that is my commitment to parents.”
