* The new nurseries will create 45,000 affordable childcare places in disadvantaged areas and pockets of deprivation.
* The Government launched a design competition for the planned nurseries and the winners were announced last month.
* The winning designs, for sites in Bexley, Bury and Sheffield, will provide the benchmark for the scheme.
* In Bexley, London, winners Birds Portchmouth Russum architects designed a circular nursery at the base of a tower block. Partner Andrew Birds said, 'We hope the building will give the message that it is designed for children because of the playful and fun use of shape and colour.' * In Bury, Lancashire, DSDHA architects will extend and remodel the existing Hoyle Nursery. The design allows children easy access to the outdoors and creates a new front to the nursery to make it more welcoming.
* In Sheffield, two designs, by Panter Hudspith Architects and Walters and Cohen Architects, have been shortlisted for Firth Park Nursery and Community Centre. The overall winner is due to be announced this month.