Press Release: National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) welcomes a consultation to give childcare providers the right to request use of schools as a great opportunity to bring together expertise and support parents with joined up childcare.
The Prime Minister David Cameron announced the consultation in a speech today, which he expected to “open up good quality, affordable childcare for parents at either end of the school day and school holidays”.
NDNA has been encouraging more schools partnerships with nurseries for some years now. In our latest annual nursery survey, 43% of nurseries in England reported they were already working in partnership with schools. This includes offering wraparound care for pre-school and school-aged children, both on the school site and at the nursery setting.
NDNA’s Chief Executive Purnima Tanuku OBE said: “This consultation is another welcome step and one which would support successful partnerships between schools and early education providers. It’s a win win situation.
“High quality early years partnerships add value to schools in delivering wraparound care. Many of our members already operate these partnerships, but some have to factor in complicated transport arrangements to bring children from schools to their nursery setting if they don’t have use of school facilities.
“We would like this to open the door on really constructive partnerships, creating that expectation that they can work together – but it should not feel forced.
“We are delighted that the Government recognises the economic, educational and pastoral benefits of these partnerships. We hope the results of this consultation will bring together childcare experts and schools’ facilities, making wraparound and holiday care a good quality, affordable experience for children and their parents.