NAHT considers that maintained nursery schools play a vitally important role in our education system. They offer the highest quality early education and care, and disproportionately support children from deprived backgrounds and those with SEND. They also work as teaching schools supporting teacher training and helping neighbouring early years provision to improve.

Early Education has led the campaign for long-term viable funding for maintained nursery schools, ensuring strong parliamentary support through the All Party Parliamentary Group for Nursery Schools, Nursery and Reception Classes, for which it provides the Secretariat, and working closely with partners including NAHT.

Just prior to the Covid 19 lockdown the government committed to the long-term future funding of maintained nursery schools, but we were extremely concerned to hear that some local authorities despite this launched reviews which could ultimately lead to the closure of these schools.

NAHT has been at the forefront of discussions with the DfE and government Ministers during the pandemic. We have reiterated to government that any return must be led by evidence of when it is safe to do so, not convenient dates in the education calendar. Safe for children, safe for parents, safe for staff and safe for the wider community.

Please join us for our live event in conjunction with Early Education for an update and live question and answer session.

LEADING THE MAINTAINED NURSERY SCHOOLS' RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND SECURING THEIR FUTURE FUNDING