Overview

• About 530,000 children are now in funded places across England, exceeding the initial goal of 500,000.
• The government has opened applications for funding to create 300 additional school‑based nurseries.
• Early‑years spending is set to rise to over £9 billion next year, according to officials.
• Since the start of term, 598 extra school‑based nursery places have been added in the South West.
• Take‑up includes 78,417 children in the North West and more than 55,000 in the South West, with eligible working parents able to access up to 30 hours a week.