Responding to the government's announcement that nearly 200 schools-based nurseries will open this September, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“We welcome this investment in early years education, which all the evidence shows can make an enormous difference to children’s learning and social development, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“This will build on the great work already happening in school-based nurseries, enabling existing nurseries to expand and new provision to be created.

“Beyond the support with start-up costs, it will be important there is sustainable long-term funding for these nurseries, as well as a focus on addressing long-standing shortages of early years staff.

"The early years is a diverse sector, made up of many different types of providers. It’s important the government continues to ensure the whole sector is well-supported so that every young child can get the very best start in life."