Valentine Primary School and St Mary's Church of England Primary School and Nursery are among the first to benefit from this initiative.

The funding aims to help parents save thousands of pounds by providing school-based nursery places.

MP for Southampton Itchen, Darren Paffey, said: "From speaking to parents, and as a parent myself, I know that it can sometimes be a struggle to find good quality childcare.

"That’s why I’m pleased that two local schools in my constituency – Valentine Primary School and St Mary’s Church of England Primary School – will be among the first schools to receive funding from government to open new nurseries.

"This will help increase the number of childcare places available locally – benefitting both parents and carers, as well as more local children who will be able to enjoy the many benefits that early education can bring!"