Regina Coeli, the Catholic primary on Pampisford Road in South Croydon, is among 34 new or expanded schools in London to receive funding to provide extra nursery provision from September.
Early years: nursery school pupils are welcomed on their first day at the recently expanded Regina Coeli
Inside Croydon reported in January how Regina Coeli had been ranked as Croydon’s top primary school, and had opened a nursery class for children aged from three to four years as the government has provided additional funding for early years provision, marking what the school says is “an exciting new chapter”.
The government reckons that the roll-out of additional childcare provision could save families up to £8,000 per year.
London’s 34 schools – which also include Abbey Primary School in Sutton and Bromley’s Harris Primary Academy Orpington – are among 331 across the country backed by a share of £45million, “helping deliver thousands of new childcare places in areas where access has been hardest”, the government says.
So while Croydon, Sutton and Bromley boroughs each get one additional nursery school, places such as Enfield and Haringey both have five new or expanded nursery schools, Lewisham has four and Bexley gets three.
In a statement released today, the government said: “This expansion is targeted at communities where families face the biggest barriers to childcare – a challenge particularly felt across parts of London, where high costs and limited availability have put pressure on working parents.
“School-based nurseries are already playing a critical role in the capital, offering convenient, high-quality childcare close to home, simplifying the school run and helping parents balance work and family life.”
The government is also providing other cost-of-living support for London families, including:
- 30 hours of funded childcare
- Free breakfast clubs, saving up to £450 a year
- Action to cap school uniform costs
- Expansion of free school meals
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “These new school-based nurseries will make a real difference for families across London – cutting costs, simplifying daily life and giving children the best possible start.”
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