Eastwood Nursery School Benefits from Increased Funding

More than a dozen new places to be added in Roehampton for two-year-olds

Fleur Anderson (right) on a visit to Eastwood Nursery

March 31, 2026

A government pledge to expand school-based nursery provision has reached Roehampton, with Eastwood Nursery School set to receive funding for more than a dozen new places for two-year-olds. The announcement has been welcomed locally, with supporters describing it as a boost for families struggling with childcare costs, while others note that wider pressures on early-years provision remain significant.

The funding forms part of a national programme to increase nursery capacity within schools, aimed at giving families access to childcare closer to home and helping children start school with stronger early-years foundations. Ministers say the expansion could save families up to £8,000 a year through subsidised childcare and reduced reliance on private nurseries.

Hundreds of schools across the country are receiving similar investment, with the Government arguing that school-based nurseries can simplify the school run, reduce costs and make it easier for parents to balance work and family life.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the expansion reflects the pressures facing parents of young children, describing school-based nurseries as part of a “seismic shift in how childcare supports families” at a time when household budgets are under strain.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed this, saying too many families still struggle to find affordable childcare near home and that expanding school-based provision is intended to address that gap.

Putney MP Fleur Anderson, who has campaigned for more early-years investment in the area, welcomed the decision to fund new places. She said the announcement represents “real support for local families” and will help parents manage the cost of living while giving children “the best possible start in life.”

Ms Anderson framed the development as an example of what can be achieved when local representatives and central government work together, highlighting the role of school-based nurseries in supporting families and strengthening community ties.

The new places in Roehampton sit within a wider package of measures, including free breakfast clubs and efforts to reduce school-related costs. Supporters argue that these policies will help close early-years attainment gaps and make childcare more accessible for working families.

However, some early-years organisations have previously raised concerns that expanding school-based nurseries alone may not address longstanding challenges in the sector, including staffing shortages, rising operating costs and pressure on private and voluntary nurseries that many communities still rely on. While the new funding is expected to benefit families in Roehampton, the long-term impact will depend on how the wider early-years system adapts to increased demand and shifting patterns of provision.