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Labour's got big plans to shake up childcare in England, aiming to roll out over 100,000 new nursery spots, starting from when kids are just nine months old. It's a major part of their manifesto, not just to meet the growing demand for childcare but to really boost the quality across the board.

Their idea? Setting up more than 3,300 new nurseries inside existing primary schools all over England. They're thinking smart, using what's already there and bringing early education right into the school setting from the get-go. The goal is to make it easier for kids to transition smoothly from nursery to primary school and beyond.

They're also tackling the big issue of childcare being too darn expensive and not up to scratch. Loads of parents, especially mums, struggle to get back to work because of the crazy costs. Labour's plan aims to fix that, making sure childcare is affordable and accessible for everyone.They're not stopping there. Labour's promising to extend free childcare hours, starting with 15 hours a week for parents of two-year-olds from September 2024, and cranking it up to 30 hours a week by September 2025. That should give families more support at different stages of childcare needs, while keeping the quality top-notch.

To make all this happen, they're looking at converting 3,334 classrooms in existing primary schools into modern, top-of-the-line nursery spaces. With birth rates dropping, there's enough room to repurpose these spaces into vibrant learning environments for little ones.Money-wise, Labour plans to fund this makeover with a VAT on private school fees, aiming to redirect funds to public childcare services. They're serious about making sure families don't bear the brunt of these costs.

Labour's not just about numbers and spaces. They're all about giving kids a solid start through high-quality childcare. Research shows early education is key to long-term success, so embedding nurseries within schools makes a lot of sense to them.

Their proposal's winning support from all corners, including groups like the Fawcett Society and educational experts. Everyone's on board with Labour's push to empower parents, especially women, to get back into work and boost the economy.

Looking ahead, Labour wants a childcare system that's not just playing catch-up but looking ahead. They want local councils more involved in shaping nursery provision based on what communities need, making sure every child gets a fair shot.

So, Labour's childcare plan isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about a bold vision for early childhood education in England, combining immediate changes with a long-term strategy to make sure every child gets the best start possible, from day one at nursery to primary school and beyond.