22nd September 2016 1:00
By Blue Tutors
Most people would argue that free nursery schooling could only be a positive thing. Promoting social development of children and, critically, allowing parents to re-enter the work force and reducing exorbitant childcare costs for families. Yet, the increase from 15 to 30 hours of free child care for three and four year olds during term time set to start in 2017 has caused major concerns for the financial viability of the 400 maintained nursery schools in England.
The increased hours are part of a £6 billion annual investment in early years learning. However, in certain areas, including Birmingham, Lancashire and Hertfordshire, the hourly income is set to almost halve between 2016 and 2017 if these reforms come in. This comes after a series of local government funding cuts and was described by the NAHT as a “body blow” for early years education, with income failing to reflect the cost of running nurseries. Additional “transitional” funding has been promised, however only for the first two years, leaving many arguing that the initiative will not increase but reduce the number of places being offered. A poll conducted as part of the government consultation showed that 48% of providers felt the changes would force them to reduce the number of places offered to other age groups, and some nurseries in the poorest areas of the country fear they will end up closing for good.
In the context of the debate around reopening grammar schools, any measure which could reduce access to pre-school education is heavily criticised. Unlike selective admissions, early years learning has been shown to reduce socioeconomic disadvantages, improving social mobility. The Department of Education, however claims that the extra funding will “provide stability for nursery school”.