Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East, has called on the government to guarantee the future of maintained nursery schools, by removing the threat of future funding cuts. Emma recently visited Ashmore Park, Maintained Nursery School. Like 60% of maintained nursery schools it is rated outstanding by Ofsted. But despite this excellent record their funding has only been guaranteed until 2020. The government has been very unclear about what will happen after that. The head teacher, Sue Lacey and the chair of governors, Cllr Phil Bateman are therefore rightly concerned about Ashmore Park Nursery School’s funding post 2020.

Speaking in the House of Commons today: Emma asked the new Education Secretary to guarantee the funding of these schools beyond 2020.

Speaking after her question, Emma said: “As the minister refused to give this guarantee I will be writing to him to press the point. I hope the government will provide much needed clarity

“Over 60% of maintained nursery schools are rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Yet these excellent nursery schools could become extinct due to proposed future funding changes by Education Ministers.

“I hope the minister will listen and commit to funding maintained nursery schools long term. The government’s current proposals will have a serious impact on children’s education and their life chances, particularly in deprived areas. Many schools will have to lose experienced members of staff.

“The government should not be raiding the budgets for maintained nursery schools in order to pay for their 30 hour childcare offer. This threatens the future viability of excellent nursery schools like Ashmore Park, which do so much to overcome inequality and improve social mobility.

“Ministers should listen to the evidence and protect and expand the role that nursery schools play in our communities. This would give our children the strongest foundation to do well in later life.”

January 2018