Maintained Nursery Schools 2023-01-16
2023-01-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the need to support disadvantaged children through early education. There is a specific mention of funding disparities affecting Barnet.
What steps she is taking to support maintained nursery schools? I warmly welcome that extra funding, because it means for the first time that maintained nursery schools in Barnet will get a share of the supplementary funding. Will the Minister join me in welcoming that funding and express her strong support for the maintained nursery school sector in the future?
Maintained nursery schools make an invaluable contribution to improving the lives of disadvantaged children. We are investing an additional £10 million in their supplementary funding from 2023-24, taking the total to approximately £70 million. My right hon. Friend has consistently and passionately campaigned for the maintained nursery school sector. I agree that it is doing an excellent job, not only in supporting some of the most disadvantaged children, but in sharing expertise and knowledge with other providers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question follows the announcement of additional funding for maintained nursery schools. There is a particular focus on Barnet and its new eligibility for supplementary funding.
Will the Minister join me in welcoming that funding and express her strong support for the maintained nursery school sector in the future?
My right hon. Friend has consistently and passionately campaigned for the maintained nursery school sector. I agree that it is doing an excellent job, not only in supporting some of the most disadvantaged children, but in sharing expertise and knowledge with other providers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the closure of Midford Road Nursery due to staff shortages and similar issues affecting other nurseries in Bath. Parents face difficulties finding alternative childcare options.
What advice would the Minister give to parents in Bath who are struggling to find a nursery?
We have increased the funding set out for early years by about half a billion pounds since 2020-21. I agree that workforce is an issue; we are looking at recruitment and retention very carefully and will be setting out proposals as and when we can.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific advice or concrete solutions for parents dealing with nursery closures and staffing issues were not provided.
Looking At Recruitment And Retention Very Carefully
Response accuracy