Families across Norfolk will soon benefit from new nursery places as Swaffham CofE Primary Academy among first roll-out

Families across Norfolk will soon benefit from new nursery places, with a Swaffham primary school among the first wave to welcome the change.

Swaffham Church of England Primary Academy is part of the Labour government’s scheme to roll out 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries by converting classrooms into “top-quality” early years spaces.

The first schools will see an average of 20 childcare places per site, with up to 4,000 of these available by September and a further 2,000 later this autumn.

These will be focused on childcare “deserts”, where, up until now, families have been missing out due to a shortage of spaces.

These new nurseries will help deliver additional places needed for the scheme.

Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk, said: “Yet again Labour are delivering for children and families, giving everyone the best opportunity at the start of life.

“I am thrilled that Swaffham has been given funding as part of Labour’s plan to roll out school-based nurseries.

“I know from speaking to families across the area, I fully appreciate the need for high-quality education that is available nearby and doesn’t break the bank.

“I look forward to visiting the nursery as soon as possible.”

From September, working parents will get 30 government-funded hours of childcare a week, from nine months of age right up to starting school, saving parents up to £7,500 per year.

Bridget Philipson, Secretary of State for Education, said: “School-based nurseries are an essential plank of Labour’s Plan for Change, giving every child the best start in life.

“While the Tories made a childcare pledge without a plan, Labour is delivering on its promises.

“Alongside our plans to roll out free breakfast clubs, these high-quality childcare places will get thousands more children school-ready, breaking the link between background and success for families across the country.”

This announcement comes alongside the rollout of breakfast clubs in primary school, with the first 750 schools set to launch later this month, in a bid to save families up to £450 per year.

Reporting by Nathaniel Clifton