"I want quality education and childcare for every child" - city MP on 150k funding to expand school nursery
“This is a fantastic school and with this investment we are helping working families”
“I want quality education and quality childcare for every child in Sunderland”
The words of Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson who was visiting St Paul’s CE Primary School in Ryhope to announce £150,000 of funding to build a new classroom for the school’s nursery, expanding the school’s nursery provision and capacity.
The investment is part of the Labour Government’s £370m funding for 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries to create up to 7,000 new places, primarily targeting disadvantaged areas. It’s part of the Government’s aim to support the rollout of 30 hours of free childcare for working parents.
Speaking via a video on his Facebook page, Lewis said: “I’m here at St Paul’s CE Primary School in Ryhope to celebrate the fantastic news that the Government is investing £150,000 to expand the school nursery, transforming this space into an additional classroom.
“This will allow an additional 12 nursery places to be created here.”
During his visit, Mr Atkinson also spoke to parents whose children attend the school.
He said: “I’ve just been speaking with parents about what a difference this development will make.
“They’ve got a fantastic school here and this is now going to be available to more parents thanks to this investment.”
Mr Atkinson also had a tour of the school and took part in a question and answer session with the pupils.
He added: “I’ve just had a meeting with the headteacher and been grilled by the Year five and six pupils. This is a fantastic school and with this investment we are helping working families.”
Alongside the video, Mr Atkinson posted a statement which said: “This is part of the Government’s plan to boost childcare and help families cut the cost of living. It’s also an example of how we are investing to boost infrastructure in places where there’s significant new house building.”
Fellow Sunderland MP and 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 in 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.”