MANY readers will already be aware of how important nursery schools are not only for young children but also their families. There are currently 392 nursery schools in England. The majority are located in the poorest parts of the country and, for many children, they are the only opportunity for early education.

As a result of chronic underfunding, many nursery schools have been forced to close in recent years. We have seen the impact of some of these closures locally. Unless the Government changes course, even more nursery schools will face threat of closure, as early as September 2020.

Readers are asked to sign this petition to Education Secretary, Damian Hinds letting him know that you disagree with the Government’s current funding levels:

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/save-nursery-schools-nowhttps://actionnetwork.org/petitions/save-nursery-schools-now

Readers may also wish to see this other petition.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/237044

Martin Challender

Communications Officer

UNISON (Bolton Branch)