Valerie shows support for #ProtectOurNurseries Campaign

On Wednesday 31 October 2016, I showed support for Labour’s #ProtectOurNurseries campaign to demand that the Chancellor delivers the funds to ensure childcare providers avoid closure, and are able to meet the demands of 30 hours free childcare per week.

Hundreds of nurseries are at risk of closure across the country as a result of the Government’s plans.

The Government’s new Early Years Funding formula means providers will, on average, receive £4.22 per hour – a reduction of £0.57 per hour. From 2009 to 2015, the number of childcare places in Walsall decreased by 871. Nurseries are facing a crisis.

In my view, it is important to give every child the best start in life. We need to ensure that Government do not cut funding to local government and start to support the role that nurseries play in supporting children.