Altrincham C of E Primary School has successfully secured the maximum available government funding of £150,000 to create a brand-new nursery for two-year-olds, due to open in September 2025.

The funding, part of a national initiative by the Department for Education, aims to boost early years provision in response to a growing demand for childcare. From September, working families meeting the eligibility criteria will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare, extending from the term after their child turns nine months old until they reach school age—doubling the current 15-hour allowance.

Altrincham C of E was one of a limited number of schools nationwide to be awarded the full grant following a competitive bidding process. The new provision will initially offer 18 places for two-year-olds, with plans to expand in 2026 to include six places for babies from birth, bringing 24 additional spaces to the school’s existing 350-pupil capacity.

Headteacher Kirsty Chrysler said the move directly responded to local demand:
“We were approached by many parents in the community, and our extensive parental survey really confirmed what we suspected—there’s a real need for more high-quality childcare locally.”

The nursery will offer year-round care from 7:30am to 6:00pm, aligning with government goals to support working families and help more parents return to employment.

To deliver a high-quality experience tailored to very young children, the school is partnering with early years specialists Early Excellence to design a bespoke space. The new building, set to be constructed over the summer, will include a sensory room, dedicated outdoor area, and on-site servery, with resources and furniture carefully chosen to suit two- and three-year-olds.

“We’re creating a rich, play-based environment that fosters deep, experiential learning,“ Mrs Chrysler explained. “It’s going to be an ideal setting for young children to develop socially, emotionally and academically.”

For more information contact – altrinchamce.admin@trafford.gov.uk