A new £2m scheme has been launched by the Coalition Government to help boost childcare businesses and help women back into work.

From yesterday, people who want to set up a nursery can apply for grants of up to £500 to help cover things like legal and insurance costs, training, equipment and adaptations to buildings. The scheme aims to launch up to 6,000 new childcare businesses across England.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has expressed hope that people in Haringey will take up this offer, so that a significant number of new nurseries will open, boosting options for parents.

This funding boost comes on top of other recent good news for parents. Last month it was announced that 882 of the poorest two-year-olds in Haringey stand to benefit from 15 hours free childcare a week from this September.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Liberal Democrats want to create a stronger economy in a fairer society, enabling everyone to get on in life. Childcare plays a vital role in achieving those goals. It helps the early development of children and removes barriers for those parents keen to return to work.

“We have seen time and time again the important difference that good quality childcare can make in giving children the best possible start in life.

“This money will help entrepreneurs set up and run new childcare facilities which will be a boost to Haringey’s economy and a massive help to families here.”