Commenting as the government announces £37m for the first phase of its  roll-out of new school-based nurseries, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“There should be no higher priority for government than investment in the early years.

"The evidence is clear that high quality early education can make a lasting difference to children’s lives, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“It is therefore extremely positive to see the first wave of new and expanded school-based nurseries being announced today.

"Schools play a vital role in the early years eco-system, and this should help strengthen that further.”