Children on the Isle of Wight are set to benefit from nearly £300,000 in funding to provide more than 30 new places at 2 nurseries on the Island.
The Department for Education has awarded Broadlea Primary School with £147,000 of funding as the school and Berryhill Childcare will transform space within the existing school building that is no longer being used.
This will create 20 additional nursery places in the Sandown and Shanklin area and support the expansion of the early years offer in a sustainable way by reusing existing school space.
Furthermore, Bembridge CE Primary School, on behalf of Windmills Preschool, has been awarded £150,000 to help fund a proposed new building at the front of the school site.
This will expand the early years provision at the school and offer an additional 12 nursery places on top of their existing capacity.
Councillor Paul Brading, chair of the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Committee, said:
“We welcome this funding from central government as these new spaces will give more children the chance to learn, play and thrive in a supportive early-years environment.
“More children will have the best possible start at such a crucial age and point in their development, while helping parents balance work and family life.”
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The funding has come from central government as part of a push to create or expand school-based nurseries, which are Early Years provisions located on a school site.
The Department for Education argues that school-based nurseries see lower staff turnover and benefit parents by providing easier drop-offs and pick-ups for siblings of different ages and provide continuity of care from the beginning of a child’s education.
Lynn Torrance, headteacher at Broadlea School, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have received this funding – it’s a wonderful opportunity to give more children in our community the very best start in life through access to high-quality early years provision.
“Many families on the Isle of Wight are facing challenges, and we’re seeing some children arrive at school without any nursery experience.
“Expanding our nursery means we can reach more families who need us most, helping children to develop crucial language, social and emotional skills they need from an earlier age.”
Tamsyn Lingard-Lane, headteacher at Bembridge CE Primary School, said:
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to upgrade and improve the preschool facilities on our site, working together with Windmills Preschool.
“This project will ensure the legacy of commitment to quality care and learning will continue for future generations.
“Our aim is to develop a flexible indoor and outdoor space, thoughtfully designed within a natural setting. This approach will allow us to adapt to the evolving needs and developmental stages of the children in our care, providing them and their families with the best possible environment to thrive.”
