It is a big worry that under the new funding cuts, nursery schools would no longer be able to afford to employ qualified teachers. This could have damaging consequences for social inclusion and equality, teacher training and workforce quality across all types of setting, including PVIs.Campaigners are looking for sector-wide backing and a government rethink on funding reforms after their online petition tipped the 14,000 mark in just over two weeks. If the number of signatories hits the 100,000 mark, then the topic could be debated by Parliament. The petition is currently at just over 16,000.Many are concerned that disadvantaged children will lose out if funding cuts go ahead for nursery schools. With funding being distributed across other types of provisions this will cause low-income families the issue of not being able to access free childcare places. Not only will disadvantaged children miss out but funding cuts may lead to nursery schools closing, and this will drastically reduce the amount childcare places available as well as cause an issuing for the 30hrs free childcare scheme.
Providers are beginning to join up with other councils to work together to raise awareness of these issues.
According to the Department of Education, more money will be invested into childcare by 2020. Providers will also see an increase in the average funding rates they receive and nursery schools have been promised £55 for a two-year adjustment.
A petition has been set up, to sign the petition click here.
