CHILDCARE LIFELINE

Labour promises 3,300 nurseries | Empty classrooms set to be used

- JOHN STEVENS

LABOUR has pledged to create 100,000 childcare places by opening more than 3,000 new nurseries inside schools.

Classrooms which have been left empty because of falling birth rates will be converted so they can be used.

The Tories say they will increase free childcare hours but have been accused of failing to do enough to ensure parents can actually get places.

Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will today pledge to make Labour's promise a reality by boosting provision. She will announce that a total of 3,300 nurseries will be opened in primary schools.