Local MPs encourage Milton Keynes schools to set up nurseries as applications open for new wave

Milton Keynes MPs have today called on schools in the city to apply to become part of the next wave of new or expanded nurseries on primary school grounds, to make life easier for working parents, cut down the school run and give children a seamless start to their education.

It comes as Labour has confirmed over 4,000 extra school-based nursery places have been made available across England this month as a result of the government’s initial £37 million investment, vowing to tackle childcare cold spots in the next phase of the rollout.

Contributing to the vibrant childcare market with a range of options that suit every family’s needs, school-based nurseries offer children the opportunity to grow up and learn in a consistent environment all the way up to age 11, so they can continue to thrive in an environment they trust.

Amid the ongoing success of the first phase, Labour is going further and faster to tackle childcare cold spots to offer more choice for parents in Milton Keynes.

To assist Labour’s drive to give every child the best start in life, our local MPs are inviting local primary schools to bid for up to £150,000 funding from a £45 million pot to create a further 300 new or expanded best start school-based nurseries - offering up to 7,000 more places – from September 2026.

Labour’s second phase will prioritise quality bids from schools serving areas with childcare cold spots in some of the most disadvantaged communities, delivering thousands of new places for families who need them most.

Chris Curtis, Labour MP for Milton Keynes North said, “It’s been so exciting to see the first of these new school-based nurseries begin to open in the city, making life easier for working parents and offering consistency for children to develop and grow. I’m delighted that the opportunity is opening up for more schools to take this step.”

Callum Anderson, Labour MP for Buckingham and Bletchley said, “School-based nurseries are just brilliant – they provide continuity for children and more flexible working for parents. I’ve seen how successful the new nursery in Great Horwood is and would strongly encourage every local school to make an application.”

Emily Darlington, Labour MP for Milton Keynes Central said, “Local schools can apply to form part of the next wave of school-based nurseries – and receive up to £150,000 in funding. That’s good for schools, good for parents and good for children too – just ask working families in Great Holm who have benefitted from the expanded nursery provision unlocked for Holmwood School. I hope lots of local schools apply.”

Application page (open from 10am, 22 Sept): https://apply-for-school-based-nurseries-capital-grant.education.gov.uk/.