Nursery heads set to march on Downing Street with funds plea
HEADTEACHERS of nursery schools are preparing to confront the Chancellor over funding cuts, as they march on Downing Street today.
In a letter, the group will warn Philip Hammond that nursery schools across the country could be forced to close unless they are given guarantees of more Government cash.
Around 250 heads and school governors will demand secure long-term funding for nurseries ahead of the Spending Review later this year and just days before the Spring Statement, which Mr Hammond will deliver on Wednesday.
The march has been organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Nursery Schools, Nursery and Reception Classes, and school leaders’ union NAHT.
In the letter, the group welcomes a recent cash injection of
£24m into the sector, but warns ministers that unless adequate future funding is guaranteed in the Spending Review, “the longterm survival of maintained nursery schools hangs by a thread”.
Labour MP and chair of the Nursery Schools APPG Lucy Powell said: “Nursery schools received welcome respite recently, and I thank the Children’s Minister for his work.
“However, we now need to see a long-term funding guarantee for nursery schools in the Spending Review. Nurseries have had to go cap in hand to the Government year after year, demoralising staff and causing parents worry.
“These vital institutions need long-term sustainability if we’re to shift the dial and eliminate the development gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.
“That’s why I’m proud to march with heads on Downing Street, and support their calls for sustainable future funding.”
Beatrice Merrick, chief executive of Early Education and the secretariat for the Nursery Schools APPG, added: “Maintained nursery schools are grateful for the £24m the Chancellor provided for summer 2020, but a long-term funding solution remains urgent.”