Morecambe’s New Nursery Places: A Boost

Exciting news for Morecambe and Arnside families as local schools receive a government cash injection to create new nursery places. Mossgate Primary School in Heysham and Storth CE Primary School near Arnside are among the first to benefit from the school-based nursery capital funding. This initiative aims to repurpose existing school spaces, creating an average of 20 additional nursery places per school.

From September, working parents will enjoy 30 government-funded childcare hours weekly, from nine months old until school age, potentially saving up to £7,500 annually. This expansion in nursery places is a crucial step in supporting this scheme, enhancing children’s life chances and parents’ work choices. The government’s mission is to break the unfair link between background and success, and this funding is a significant stride towards that goal.

Lizzi Collinge, Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, welcomed the funding, highlighting the necessity for affordable, high-quality early years education. She emphasised that these measures will enable parents to work, increase childcare access, and support the government’s promise of financial relief for families.

Rob Smith, headteacher at Mossgate Primary School, expressed delight at the approval of their School-Based Nursery Capital Grant application. The funding will allow Mossgate to offer high-quality, teacher-led nursery education from September 2025, ensuring the best start for young learners. Nichola Buczynski, chair of governors, echoed this sentiment, noting the benefits of continuity and expert-led learning for children’s lifelong success.

Additionally, childcare providers will benefit from the largest ever uplift to the Early Years Pupil Premium, ensuring disadvantaged children access the quality early education they need. With over £2 billion extra investment in the sector next year, total spending will reach £8 billion, breaking down barriers to opportunity for every family.

Image: Unsplash