Families in Staffordshire are set to get access to more available and affordable childcare through a new Department for Education programme providing more school-based nursery places.
Staffordshire has over 800 early education and childcare providers, including childminders, nurseries, pre-schools and schools, all providing flexibility and choice for parents.
Six schools in Staffordshire are amongst 300 nationwide that will be offering or increasing nursery places from September 2026.
Along with other early education and childcare providers, school-based nurseries are already providing a lifeline for families and contribute to supporting children’s readiness for learning when they enter Reception. Combined with the 30 hours of funded childcare, these nursery places will help cut childcare costs for working families.
The six schools are:
- Charnwood Primary Academy in Lichfield
- Holy Trinity CofE (C) Primary School in Burton
- Perton Primary Academy in Perton
- Rowley Park Primary Academy in Stafford
- St Leonard’s CofE First School in Stafford
- St Paul’s Church of England Primary School in Stafford
Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It’s widely recognised that having access to good quality childcare can help give children the best possible start in life while giving parents the choice to work or pursue a career.
“The additional school-based nurseries will create more nursery places for children for the start of the next academic year and means that more parents will save on childcare costs.
“The new nurseries will add to the vibrant childcare market already available in the county, giving parents even more choice in the care that suits their family.”
The six new school-based nurseries will create a further 60 early education and childcare places.
The programme is funded by the Department for Education, which has provided over 300 schools across the country a share of its £45 million budget.
