Norfolk schools set to extend nurseries

Four more schools are to expand their nursery and childcare places as part of the move to Norfolk County Council’s new early childhood and family service.

The council has been working with schools, childcare providers and other community groups to find alternative uses for the buildings that will no longer be needed as children’s centres, with the new service targeting families that need extra support and provide services in local community venues and people’s homes, reducing the need for stand-alone buildings.

John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Committee at Norfolk County Council, said: “Our new early childhood and family service will get help to more of the children and families that really need it, with skilled staff working in local community buildings and with families in their homes. This means we can spend a greater proportion of our budget on frontline services and can free up buildings for other services for children, including childcare and education.”