Emma has backed a mass lobby of Parliament by staff and parents from maintained nursery schools across the country, calling for sustainable funding.

On 11 March representatives from maintained nursery schools across England marched on Downing Street to call for a long-term funding settlement. Maintained nursery schools recently were provided £24m of funding to complete the 2019/20 academic year, but funding for any future years has not yet been confirmed.

Backing the march, Emma said:

“It is unacceptable that maintained nursery schools still do not know how much money they will have in September 2020. There are three in my constituency: Ashmore Park Nursery, Bushbury Nursery School and Low Hill Nursery School. They all provide an outstanding standard of education to young children.

“All maintained nursery schools across the country are rated as “outstanding” or “good” by Ofsted. They are the jewel in the crown of early years education. The government must listen to those attending the march and provide a long-term settlement so they can plan for the future.”