The Department for Education (DfE) announced yesterday that the first 300 school-based nurseries (SBN) have been approved for DfE funding and are expected to provide 4,000 places for children in England by the end of September 2025.

While the accompanying government guidance outlines how SBNs can work with or be delivered by private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) providers, including registered childminders, PACEY is concerned that the recently announced policies for childcare and early years are too schools-focused and overlook the countless PVI providers who play a vital role in supporting families with the transition to school.

Helen Donohoe, Chief Executive at PACEY said:

“We welcome investment in early years and the focus on supporting transition to school, but the government’s emphasis on this being provided by school-based nurseries overlooks the vital role that other PVI providers play in supporting children and families. Childminders are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between early years and school, providing not just high-quality and flexible childcare and education but also wider support for families. Ahead of September’s funding expansion, the government must recognise the importance of choice and flexibility for families and the diverse needs of children, including those with SEND who may thrive best in a smaller home-from-home setting.

We need a long-term strategy that strengthens the entire early years workforce, including urgent action to support and grow the number of registered childminders and to improve funding levels so that all early years professionals receive the recognition, resources, and investment they deserve.”