Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School to get new nursery as part of government investment
A primary school in Penwortham says it welcomes the opportunity to open its own nursery.
Yesterday, the government announced it will expand childcare to over 300 more schools from September as part of its drive to bear down on the cost of living, allowing thousands of parents to save on childcare costs.
According to the government, school-based nurseries - combined with 30 hours of government funded care- are, cutting childcare costs in half for working families, making the school run simpler with fewer drop offs during busy mornings, and helping parents return to work.
A further 331 schools across the country have now been successful in applying for a share of £45 million funding to build or expand nurseries on their site - and it includes Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School.
The government says these new nurseries will add to the vibrant childcare market and create over 6,000 more childcare places for children from St Ives to Gateshead, on top of the up to 6,000 already being delivered from the first phase of the programme.
What has Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School said about the scheme?
Head teacher Sarah Barton said: “We were very pleased to learn that Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School has been included in the government’s expansion of school-based nurseries. This development represents a wonderful opportunity for our school community, and we are delighted to be part of an initiative that supports early years provision across Lancashire.
“A teacher led school-based nursery will enable us to offer high‑quality early education from an earlier age, helping children to build strong foundations in communication, confidence, and social–emotional development before they enter Reception. It will also provide greater continuity for families, ensuring a smoother transition through the early years and into primary education.
For our community, this expansion is particularly significant. Many local families rely on accessible, high‑quality early years support, and we know that having nursery provision on site will make a real difference—both in terms of convenience and in giving children the best possible start to their educational journey.”
What have politicians said?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As a parent, I know how hard it can be to juggle work and family life, especially in those early days where time is precious and sleep is short.
“School-based nurseries are already driving a seismic shift in how childcare supports families. Now we’re going even further to build on what works with over 300 new nurseries – cutting
childcare costs, simplifying the school run, and helping parents at a time when household budgets are under real pressure.
“This is about targeting support where it’s needed most, easing the cost of living and giving every child the best start in life.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Our school-based nurseries are already helping fill the gaps in communities where childcare is hardest to find, giving children the strong start they deserve and helping parents access childcare close to home.
“By expanding these nurseries further and targeting them at the areas that need them most, we are making sure more families can benefit from quality early education while putting practical support in place to help with the cost of living.
“For too long, where a child grows up has shaped what they go on to achieve. This government was elected to change that – starting with giving every child the best start in life and making sure every family can access the childcare they need, wherever they live.”
Which other schools are benefiting?
The schools set to get new nurseries in Lancashire are:
- Altham St James Church of England Primary School, Hyndburn
- Arkholme Church of England Primary School, Morecambe and Lunesdale
- Blacko Primary School, Pendle and Clitheroe
- Bolton Primary School, Westmorland and Lonsdale
- Clifton Primary School, Fylde
- Colne Lord Street School, Pendle and Clitheroe
- Culgaith CofE School, Penrith and Solway
- Grange CofE Primary School, Westmorland and Lonsdale
- Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School, South Ribble
- Ribblesdale Nursery School, Pendle and Clitheroe
- Singleton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, Fylde
- St Columba's School, Barrow and Furness
- St Mark's CofE Primary School, Westmorland and Lonsdale
- Stramongate Primary School, Westmorland and Lonsdale
- Treales Church of England Primary School, Fylde
- Trumacar Nursery and Community Primary School, Morecambe and Lunesdale
- West End Primary School, Morecambe and Lunesdale
- Woodland Community Primary School, West Lancashire