Three local schools among the first in the country to get massive nurseries boost
- georgemorgan083
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Three schools in our area are among the first in the country to get funding under the government’s plan to boost early-years childcare.
Springhill Primary and Boney Hay Primary, both in Burntwood, and St Stephen’s Primary, in Fradley, were among the first 300 schools in the country to get funding.
The money will go towards renovating or setting up new nurseries, expanding the number of places, and helping to provide the 30-hours of free childcare that Labour promised in its manifesto.
Dave Robertson, MP for Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages, said: “People in Burntwood and Fradley tell me they want to see more than just new housing – they want investment in their communities. This announcement is an investment in the life chances of local children.
“It’s great to see that schools in our area will be among the first in the country to benefit and I’d like to thank the three schools involved for the work they’re doing to support early years education.”
Springhill Primary has already increased the number of nursery places it is offering, and the funding will pay for the school to renovate its nursery and improve its outdoor facilities.
Boney Hay will be taking over and renovating the Little People nursery on their site. The school also hopes to increase the number of places, and offer them to younger children, from the age of nine months, in future.
Plans are at an earlier stage at St Stephen’s Primary – but the funding will pay for a new nursery at the school down the line.
This investment in these first 300 schools is part of Labour’s plan to create 3,000 new primary school-based nurseries across the country.
These nurseries will provide 6,000 new childcare places, supporting the delivery of 30 hours of government-funded childcare which will put £7,500 back in parents’ pockets, on average.
As well as saving parents money, this plan aims to boost children’s life chances by breaking the link between a child’s background and their chances of success.
Jack Edwards, Headteacher at Springhill Primary, said: “We are delighted that Springhill has been chosen as one of 300 school-based nurseries to benefit from this additional funding. This funding will now mean we are able to increase and modernise our nursery outdoor learning space to be able to host up to 24 three-to four-year-olds as well as increase our offer to 30 hours a week.
“This initiative reflects our community's shared belief in the importance of early education, and we are proud to partner with families to create a foundation for lifelong learning. Together, we can build brighter futures and stronger beginnings for every child.”
Rebecca Willington, Headteacher at Boney Hay, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that Little Deer Nursery, part of Boney Hay Primary Academy, has been awarded the DfE’s School-Based Nursery Grant. This funding will help us create a nature-themed learning environment that encourages exploration and growth.
“Opening in September 2025, the nursery will offer a nurturing space where children can learn through play and outdoor experiences. We look forward to welcoming prospective parents and providing a strong foundation for their child’s early years development.”
Mike Dowd, Headteacher at St Stephen’s Primary School, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this incredible government funding to establish a nursery at St Stephen’s Primary.
“This investment will be truly transformative, not only for our school but for the entire Fradley community. Providing high-quality early years education will give our local children the best possible start in life, and we are excited to create a nurturing and inspiring environment where they can thrive.
“This funding marks a significant step forward for our school in particular, which is coincidently celebrating its 150 years anniversary this June and we are deeply grateful and excited for the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community."
