Mel Stride MP has visited Duchy Pre-School Bradninch following correspondence with two of the trustees over sustainability concerns for maintained nursery schools in the face of rising costs. These include employer pension contributions and increases in the National Living Wage. Despite some funding rises, for example the Government increased the amount it gives Devon County Council to pay local providers for free childcare for 3 and 4-year olds from £3.98/hour to £4.30/hour this year, concerns remain that funding is not keeping pace with costs.
Speaking after his visit Mel said:
“It was very good to be shown around what is clearly a very special pre-school and a vital part of the community that provides a safe and fun environment for the children as well as providing many young parents with a much-needed social network. There are justifiable concerns about the future of maintained nursery schools and although I support the increases in the National Living Wage and introduction of employer pension contributions, I fully accept that these put pressure on many small businesses and other organisations such as our pre-schools.”
Mel pledged to take up the issue with the Chancellor of the Exchequer from both angles – whether the Government could help maintained nursery schools lower their costs, such as the rates they pay and whether more funding could be provided to increase the hourly rate that providers receive from local authorities for the 30 free hours for 3 and 4-year olds.
