Commenting on the government’s announcement of £24 million in additional interim funding for maintained nursery schools, UNISON head of education Jon Richards said:
“This additional funding gives welcome breathing space, but nursery schools need long-term certainty, rather than stop-gap measures.
“However, hundreds of council-run nurseries and children’s centres, often in deprived areas, are still facing closure as a result of the government’s funding changes. They face many of the same challenges as nursery schools and are equally worthy of financial help.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk