A Harrogate primary school is to host one of 40 new school nurseries in Yorkshire and Humberside announced by the Department for Education.

As part of a major Government initiative, families across Yorkshire and Humber will soon have more childcare close to home, with 40 schools set to open or expand school-based nurseries in the region from September.

Schools are reporting the move will create around 800 new places locally, making it easier for parents to balance work and family life, while cutting the cost of childcare.

Willow Tree Community Primary School, one of the few schools in Harrogate currently offering teacher-led nursery provision, has been selected as one of those 40 schools.

New school nursery - Willow Tree Community Primary School in Harrogate has been selected as one of 40 schools from Yorkshire and Humberside. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — New school nursery - Willow Tree Community Primary School in Harrogate has been selected as one of 40 schools from Yorkshire and Humberside. (Picture contributed)

Under headteacher Robert Mold, it already has a number of incredible facilities, with three school fields, two large playgrounds, an orchard, canteen, two halls, gardening and nature areas with a pond and woodland, as well as a swimming pool.

The Government’s new initiative comes as more than a million parents nationally are now using the Government’s funded childcare offer, saving eligible working families up to £8,000 a year per child.

School-based nurseries can make life easier for parents and children, allowing parents to drop children of different ages off in one place, cutting travel time and helping children settle more easily into school 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.”

The rollout is part of the Government’s wider support for families, including 30 hours funded childcare, free breakfast clubs and action to keep school uniform costs down.

In the next phase of the programme, local authorities will lead plans for new nurseries, using their knowledge of local need to target places where they are most needed.

Information: www.willowtreeprimary.org.uk.