Top Tory fighting Salford nursery cuts
A CAMPAIGN to save five council-run nurseries in Salford from closure by lobbying the government for funding has won support from a top Tory.
Conservative group leader at Salford’s town hall Les Turner has signed a letter sent jointly by him and City Mayor Paul Dennett to Whitehall, asking for extra cash.
The three Labour MPs who represent the city are also backing the campaign. Winton Day Nursery, Little Hulton Day Nursery, Barton Moss Day Nursery, Belvedere Day Nursery and Higher Broughton Day Nursery have been earmarked for closure. It would result in the loss of 100 jobs, with around 300 children having to find nursery places elsewhere.
In a letter to Nick Gibb, Minister of State for School Standards, Coun Turner and Mr Dennett, say: “Our nurseries provide an exceptionally high level of support to two, three, and fouryear-olds, including support to some of the most vulnerable children with special education needs, and disabilities.
“They are judged by Ofsted to be outstanding and we are passionate about retaining this provision.”