A Somerset MP has stepped forward to support urgent plans to convert a neglected schoolhouse into a state-of-the-art nursery, addressing the growing childcare crisis faced by local families in Bishops Lydeard.
Rachel Gilmour, the MP for Tiverton and Minehead, is urging the Department for Education and Bishops Lydeard Parish Council to back the redevelopment of the Bishops Lydeard Church School nursery. The proposed expansion would double its capacity, increasing available places from 12–16 to 24, and introduce much-needed care for children under two years old.
The proposed site, an old schoolhouse located in the village center, is currently in disrepair. Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust has prioritized a £370,000 renovation project and has committed to matching up to £150,000 of external grant funding. However, the project recently hit a roadblock when the school’s application for central government capital funding was rejected.
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Parents and campaigners have voiced increasing frustration as demand for nursery places far exceeds supply, with long waiting lists and fully booked sessions. Paul Wheatley and Rebecca Weatherly, residents of Bishops Lydeard for three years and active members of the school community, report daily challenges managing childcare because of the lack of local wrap-around services.
“As busy parents, juggling two separate school runs each morning is exhausting,” the couple said. “Our six-year-old is thriving at Bishops Lydeard Church School, but without adequate childcare nearby, we’re forced into lengthy detours through heavy traffic to reach alternative nurseries in Taunton.”
Ms. Gilmour emphasized the urgent need for expansion amid the village’s growth, spurred by upcoming housing developments. “Bishops Lydeard is an attractive community for young families, but growth must be matched by adequate infrastructure,” she said.
The renovation would not only increase nursery places but also introduce care for babies from birth to two years old—a vital service currently lacking locally. Ms. Gilmour implored both the Department for Education and local authorities to prioritize the redevelopment project, stressing its importance for community support as plans for 50 to 130 new family homes move forward.
Concerns have also arisen regarding the Parish Council’s spending priorities. Although £795,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding is available, £60,000 was recently allocated to a Bristol traffic consultancy for a proposed “Roads and Traffic Project.” Community members are calling for a reallocation of funds to focus on nursery infrastructure instead.
A community review of the CIL spending is planned for Wednesday, August 13. The local campaign group, “Fund Our Future – Bishops Lydeard Nursery Campaign,” is actively lobbying the Parish Council for support of the nursery expansion.
To help advance the cause, Ms Gilmour has invited representatives from both the Parish Council and the Department for Education to meet with her to discuss solutions that will benefit local families and ease their childcare struggles.