Since the start of the new term, over 55,000 children across the South West have benefited from government-funded childcare places, a move hailed by ministers as a critical step in easing the cost of living for working families.
New figures reveal that 55,784 children in the region are now enrolled in the government’s 30-hour childcare programme, part of a nationwide initiative that has already supported 530,000 children in less than a month.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted the success: “When we launched the 30 hours childcare expansion in September, we aimed to reach around half a million families. Today, we’ve exceeded that target.”
READ MORE: Two Somerset Council By-Elections Scheduled for October
READ MORE: Therapy Dog Bella: A Beacon of Comfort for Thousands of Teens
She emphasized the programme’s impact, noting families can save up to £7,500 annually per child on childcare costs, helping parents balance work and family life. “This is real cost-of-living relief that families feel today,” Phillipson added.
Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey praised the rapid uptake, calling it a “promise made and a promise delivered.” She explained, “Families in the South West are saving £7,500 a year per child. This makes a huge difference, enabling parents to work while giving children a strong start to their education.”
The expansion has been propelled by the growth of school-based nurseries, which provide both convenience for parents and an early learning environment for children. This term, 21 new or expanded nurseries opened in the South West alone, creating nearly 600 new childcare places. Nationally, schools have added over 5,200 new places, surpassing initial forecasts of 4,000.
“These nurseries have moved quickly from application to operation,” Bailey stated. “We’re encouraging schools to apply for the next funding phase, backed by £45 million to create up to 7,000 additional places by next September.”
Phillipson echoed the government’s commitment: “With this new bidding round underway, we’re determined to support hardworking parents and ensure every child receives the best start in life.”
To meet rising demand, the Department for Education will increase early years funding to £9 billion next year. Bailey noted, “Early years education is central to our Plan for Change, with additional support through pupil premiums and new incentives like £5,000 bonuses for early years teachers.”
Despite these advances, sector leaders warn of ongoing challenges, including rising staff wages, insurance, and energy costs. Bailey assured that measures are in place to support nursery staff, including retention payments in disadvantaged areas.
Claire Brook, a single mother from Weston-super-Mare, shared how the programme made a difference for her. “My daughter goes to nursery three days a week, and the funding covers £335 of the monthly cost. It’s made managing everything on my own far more achievable.”
Asked about coverage goals, Bailey said, “We want to reach as many children in the South West as possible. Our commitment is to save families money and prepare every child for school.”
This expansion forms a key part of the government’s £1.5 billion Best Start in Life strategy, aiming to remove barriers to early education and ensure all children have a strong foundation.