Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab)

- Hansard -

A petition in similar terms has been signed by 65 people.

The petition states:

The petition of residents of the UK,

Declares that the Government’s consultation paper (Early Years Funding: changes to funding for 3 and 4 year olds 11/08/16) outlined proposals that will leave nursery schools financially nonviable, forcing them to close; notes that this funding will not cover basic costs, let alone staffing with qualified teachers; and further notes that state nursery schools have very good outcomes with regard to closing the achievement gap and supporting children with special needs, and that state nursery schools are legally required to employ highly-qualified staff, who are proven to give young children the best opportunities for academic achievement and enabling social mobility.

The petitioners therefore request the House of Commons to urge the Government to recognise the school status of State nursery schools and fund them accordingly.

And the petitioners remain, etc.

[P002011]