Nurseries - The Government plans to create 3,334 new school-based nurseries, accommodating 100,000 additional places, in order to meet their offer of a significant expansion of childcare.  They aim to achieve this by converting classrooms left empty due to declining birth rates, and suggest that current vacancies could provide space for nursery provision in reception classes.

Generally, current shortfalls in pupil numbers are spread throughout primary schools.  As well as the numbers involved, there are issues around timing: the school day is too short to enable parents to undertake meaningful work.  Although many schools provide care before and after lessons, which helps parents who need to work longer hours, this makes for a very demanding day for younger children, and the cost offsets what parents can earn.  Another issue is the requirement for additional suitable space for nappy changing facilities and for a quiet place to rest.

This proposal reveals policymakers’ lack of awareness of how schools function as well as what young children need.  

By: Wendy Scott, National Council Member
On:01-12-2024