The Department for Education released the news of the pilot alongside more details of the childcare expansion plans, highlighting the number of two-year-olds that have so far taken up places in early years settings.
According to the figures, approximately 195,355 two-year-olds have taken up a two-year-old funded place, although this figure includes children who were already in early years settings but are now entitled to a funded place, rather than paying for it.
The official data showing the number of childcare codes issued and validated by providers will be published on Monday.
To expand capacity further, the DfE said a new pilot will start this summer to explore how unused school space could be repurposed to support childcare settings to offer more places.
The DfE said that the ‘school space pilot’ will involve matching a small number of private, voluntary, or independent childcare providers with surplus school and college space.
If the pilot is a success, the Government said it would ‘roll it out widely’ ahead of September 2025, helping fast-track the process for schools, colleges and childcare providers.
Commenting on the pilot plans, Jonathan Broadbery, director of policy and communications at the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA,) said any plans for existing providers to use other spaces would need to put children's needs 'first and foremost.'
‘The pilots in schools and colleges present opportunities to expand the number of places but this must be done in partnership with existing providers, avoid duplication that would threaten established provision and we have to put children’s needs first in ensuring these environments are right for babies and toddlers.
'Early years are crucial to children’s social, emotional and physical development as well as their lifelong learning. Environments have to be suitable to meet their developmental needs.
'We need to see more details from the pilot, but we know that the sector will need support to grow with many already having waiting lists for younger children. It will be important to ensure that providers are consulted about plans locally and that a thorough impact assessment is in place to ensure existing and established providers are not displaced.
'Outdoor space will also have to be a key consideration if adapting schools and colleges to make sure it meets children’s needs and supports outdoor learning and play.
'There are other measures that could help the sector expand such as capital funding support, tackling shortages of the qualified and experienced staff settings need and removing unfair business rates, which add cost and discourage investment in settings. The government could also review the EYFS space requirements to make sure they reflect current best practice.'
‘There is still a lot of work for the Government to do to fully support the sector to achieve its ambitious plans. They must improve funding rates for three and four-year-olds which is having a negative impact on sustainability for 83% of nurseries, offer sufficient capital grant support and boost the early years workforce urgently.’
Labour has so far said that it plans to expand childcare in schools, but has not as yet set out how private and voluntary sector providers would be involved.
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