Eastwood school's new nursery officially opened by town MP
Springbank Academy in Eastwood has officially opened its new nursery provision for two-year-olds.
The Seedlings Room will provide local families with greater childcare options and support working parents and was officially opened by town MP Juliet Campbell (Lab).
This nursery expansion at Springbank is part of the Government’s Best Start school-based nursery rollout, which has funded 300 schools lie Springbank to create or expand nursery places.
The Government says its aim is to ease the pressures of the school run, helping parents stay in work, earn more and contribute to economic growth.
Adam Lumley, head teacher at Springbank, said: “I was utterly shocked to discover that after the closure of a private nursery near our school several years ago there was a drastic lack of childcare options available in the St Mary's ward of Eastwood.
"Just one solitary source of childcare was being run from a private house for the whole of Eastwood and absolutely none in St Mary's.
"It left me feeling desperate to support our families and to respond to the growing demand for childcare.
“Thankfully fortune smiled on us and we were able to secure childcare expansion funding, this allowed us to create our fabulous Seedling’s nursery.
“Not only has this initiative helped our families immensely but it has also infused a delightful spark into our school, honestly it fills my heart with warmth every time I step into Seedlings.
“I would like to extend a massive thank you to our remarkable team, Emma and Hannah, who, under the inspiring leadership Chloe Underwood, have devoted their hearts and souls to ensure we open our doors come September with outstanding provision for our wonderful two to three-year olds.
“It's fantastic now but just watch how it will bloom and flourish over time.”
Ms Campbell said: “This new room will nurture the next generation of children in Eastwood, bringing learning to life from an earlier age.
“Your commitment, passion, and hard work have made this possible and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.
"What you have achieved here reflects the very best of Eastwood, and the very best of our community, and it is work like this that makes me so proud to represent Broxtowe.
“This Government is on a mission to give every child the best start in life, but our main partners in achieving that aren’t down in Westminster.
"But you are here – it is the incredible work of schools, teachers and parents that will enable us to achieve this goal.”
In addition to the roll out of school-based nurseries, the Government is also introducing 30 hours of free childcare from age nine months to reception year this September and has also promised to increase early years funding to £9bn next year, ensuring every child gets the best start in life.
Alongside the Best Start rollout, the Government has also promised to include in its plans to introduce free breakfast clubs, cap branded school uniform costs and invest £1.4bn to repair classrooms.