FAMILIES across Harlow will soon benefit from new nursery places.

Jerounds school is part of the Labour government’s new scheme to roll out 300 new or expanded schoolbased nurseries by converting classrooms into top quality early years spaces.

From September, working parents will get 30 government-funded hours of childcare a week, from 9 months of age right up to starting school – saving parents up to £7,500 a  year.

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

The first 300 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. Places will be focused in childcare ‘deserts’, where up until now families have been missing out due to a  shortage of places. 

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

This is the first step to delivering the 3,000 school-based nurseries Labour promised in its election-winning manifesto, giving parents choice, and helping every child get the best start in life.

Bridget Phillipson, 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.”

Chris Vince, MP for Harlow, said:

“I was delighted to visit Jerounds last week, as I try to visit every school in my constituency within the first year of being elected. I am thrilled that Jerounds has been given funding as part of Labour’s plan to roll out school-based nurseries. I know from speaking to families across my constituency the need for high-quality education that is available nearby and doesn’t break the bank. I look forward to visiting the nursery when it opens in September. This is evidence that Labour’s Plan for Change is delivering for families and getting children school ready.”

Laura Çiftçi, head of Jerounds School, said: 

‘The addition of a nursery is a natural extension of our outstanding Early Years setting at Jerounds Primary Academy, ensuring continuity in educational quality, and fostering a seamless progression for children as they transition into full-time school. By providing a structured, nurturing environment, the nursery will support children in becoming ‘school ready’ at age five. Moreover, a Jerounds nursery will provide a reliable, high-quality environment, that supports working parents to balance both their professional and family commitments with confidence and convenience.’