Here she provides some insights into accessing the funding.
Currently, availability of early years provision is not evenly distributed across the country, with the most disadvantaged areas often experiencing the worst access to provision. However, since the Government kickstarted its plan to deliver 3,000 school-based nurseries by upgrading spare spaces in primary schools and expanding free childcare provision, more children in areas of disadvantage stand to benefit.
The Government’s capital investment of £15 million aims to create inclusive, high-quality learning environments that will benefit children, educators and parents alike. By transforming unused spaces into adaptable rooms, children will gain access to stimulating environments designed to foster curiosity and learning, particularly supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Since more children are now starting school without the expected skills required, school-based nurseries could be pivotal in getting children school-ready.
Findings from Kindred Squared’s fourth annual school readiness survey revealed that teachers say that 37 per cent of children are unable to listen and respond to basic instructions, with 37 per cent unable to dress independently. However, attending nursery environments, where children feel comfortable while learning physical and communication development, will support their long-term progress to prepare them for school.
The funding will foster stronger relationships between teachers, children and parents, ensuring a cohesive support network that starts at the earliest stages of education and supports a smoother transition from nurseries to primary schools, for all. It will prioritise the needs of different pupils, with a strong focus on SEND.
Additionally, by attracting more pupils to schools, especially in rural areas with declining enrollment, the Government’s funding ensures schools remain operational. Embedding early years provision within primary schools can make schools more sustainable, offering a hub for education, childcare and local activities through increased enrollment and community engagement – bringing true the idea of schools as the heart of the community.
As well as improving the learning environments and pupil, teacher and parent wellbeing in early years provision, the Government's funding presents an opportunity to align early years provision with environmental goals.
Schools can incorporate energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials when upgrading spaces, contributing to net zero targets. For example, modern insulation, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting can be integrated into nursery designs, reducing long-term operational costs and environmental impact.
Adaptable spaces can also promote sustainability in their functionality. Using alternative construction methods, such as modular, which is more sustainable in nature, due to lower embodied carbon, as well as lean manufacturing principles, means that waste is minimised. Nurseries can also incorporate nature-based play areas, which not only support children’s development but also emphasise environmental stewardship from an early age.
Despite the many advantages the funding may bring, schools planning to offer government-funded childcare hours need to take proactive steps to ensure they can benefit from the plans. They must conduct thorough assessments of current facilities as a critical first step. This includes identifying pupil numbers and the functionality of lessons, timetabling and under-utilised areas to evaluate the potential for conversion into functional nurseries, before expansion plans are made.
When engaging with the bidding process of the Government’s plan, local authorities, school governors and administrators should work collaboratively to identify eligible spaces and submit strong applications for funding. This is particularly important for disadvantaged schools which will need to emphasise the demand and long-term community benefits of early years provision, such as improved educational outcomes and increased enrollment, to strengthen their case and help to close the gap.
The Government’s plan to create 3,000 nurseries within primary schools through adaptable spaces and expansion of free childcare provisions offers a transformative opportunity for early years education. By addressing disparities in access and reinforcing sustainability, I believe this funding can improve outcomes for children, teachers and communities.
However, the success of this initiative is dependent on the ability of schools, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, to effectively secure and utilise the funding.
Hannah Gains, national education manager at Net Zero Buildings
About Net Zero Buildings:
Net Zero Buildings operates within the education sector, providing permanent and temporary modular building solutions for schools that are net zero in operation. The business is part of the Premier Modular Group. Committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2035, Premier Modular Group minimises its impact on the environment by using sustainably procured materials, sending zero waste to landfill and incorporating renewable energy technologies into its buildings where possible.
