It was bitter-sweet to see the ‘Outstanding’ Oftsted report that Reading Council’s Norcot Nusery again received this week. Maintained nursery schools like Norcot, Blagrave and Blagdon Road (which many Whitley children attend) provide an amazing and unique environment for children to receive their early years education.
Many parents have been be astonished to find out however that they are under threat from March of next year because there is no plan to ensure their funding after then.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Nurseries has been calling on the government to act, but perhaps because of Brexit or perhaps because of the ongoing physco-drama of the Conservative civil war they have just not prioritised a plan. Meanwhile parents, schools and most importantly the young children who get their start in education with them, are left in limbo and unable to plan for next school year.
I am fully backing the campaign by local head teachers and parents to ensure that this rises up the government’s agenda which is why I have set up an online petition in support, which anyone can sign.
Please sign it here. If we get 10,000 signatures the government has to respond.
