Tulip Siddiq MP, Shadow Early Years Minister, commenting on the Government’s response to the Early Years Funding formula consultation, said:

“Maintained nursery schools offer an excellent education for some of the most disadvantaged young children. It was simply unbelievable that the Tories planned to cut their funding – leading many to worry that they would be forced to close their doors.

“While any extension of the supplement is welcome, the Tory funding plans fall woefully short across the sector of what is needed to deliver their promise of 30 hours free childcare. People will remember they’ve made promise after promise on childcare before - only to let parents down. The Tory record is one of fewer Sure Start centres, rising childcare costs and parents waiting for much needed support.

“The Tories have no proper plan to improve the quality or sustainability of childcare providers and deliver on their free childcare promise. Parents, children and our economy will pay the price.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

·          Figures released today by the Labour Party have found an estimated £100m black hole in the Government’s nursery building programme, needed to provide for new demand caused by the Government promise. The childcare profession faces a recruitment crisis. The nursery sector is struggling to pay staff the National Minimum Wage.