MP Gareth Snell welcomes £4,500 teacher bonus to transform Early Years in Stoke-on-Trent Central nurseries

Qualified teachers will be encouraged to work in nurseries across Stoke-on-Trent Central with £4,500 bonuses – ensuring tens of thousands more children get the best start in life as part of reforms to the current education system by the Labour Government.

Early years educators in Stoke-on-Trent can soon claim a £4,500 recruitment and retention bonus, part of Labour’s mission to attract top teaching talent to communities where it’s needed most.

This targeted approach addresses a critical gap: just 58% of children in the most deprived areas reach school readiness by the end of reception, compared to 77% in wealthier communities. By placing qualified teachers where the need is greatest, the scheme aims to level the playing field for every child.

The bonus is complemented by Labour’s 30 hours funded childcare offer, worth up to £8,000 per year. With more qualified staff in Stoke-on-Trent’s nurseries, more families can access these government-funded places and unlock affordable childcare that helps with the cost of living.

Stoke-on-Trent is one of 30 communities selected for the second wave of the scheme, which expands from the initial 10 pilot areas. Selection was based on deprivation levels, teacher shortages, and school readiness data.

Gareth Snell, Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said:

“Children growing up in Stoke-on-Trent Central deserve the best start in life. I’m delighted that Labour is recognising the vital contribution of our early years educators and taking action to attract the very best to our nurseries.”

“This bonus scheme will help boost our children’s life chances and free up money for local families. More qualified staff means more places available, more accessible childcare, and real support with the cost of living.”

These measures are part of Labour’s goal to get tens of thousands more children school-ready by 2028. The work combines workforce development through the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, new recruitment via the Do Something Big campaign, and expansion of Best Start school-based nurseries in the communities that need them most.