Deprived communities are to benefit from a higher number of qualified nursery teachers following the introduction of a £4.5k boost for graduates.

A Government announcement has today confirmed that the £4,500 bonuses are intended to attract qualified nursery staff to work in the most deprived areas in England. It aims to support recruitment and retention, improve teaching quality, and ensure communities are not left behind.

Additionally, it will enable more families to access their funded childcare entitlement, with nurseries being equipped to open further places thanks to the intake of qualified staff.

The statement reveals that less than one in 10 nursery workers possess a graduate teaching qualification, but highlights that outcomes for children improve in places with more highly qualified staff.

It also unveils that only 58% of children from deprived communities meet the desired development stage by the time reception finishes, while this figure stands at 77% in the least deprived areas.

To help create change, the Government will be rolling out the first round of bonuses in 10 areas - Sandwell, Middlesbrough and Rochdale are among the communities to benefit. This number is to be increased to 30 communities later in the year.

According to the Department for Education, locations were chosen in consideration of deprivation, teacher shortages and school readiness levels.

Further to the announcement of the bonuses, the Government has confirmed that new partnership grants will be launched to fund the collaborative work of nurseries, childminders, and schools to achieve school readiness for children.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: ‘It shouldn’t matter if you’re born in Sandwell or Middlesbrough, in Rochdale or Rotherham – every child deserves the best teachers, with the best tools at their disposal, to give them the very best start in life.

‘These measures will help nurseries attract and keep more qualified staff — so they can deliver the funded childcare that saves families up to £8,000 a year in the communities that need it most.’