State nurseries 'need fair funds', say MPs

The MPs said state nurseries "set the standard" for others to follow

State-run nurseries must not lose out under a new funding system for early years education and care, say MPs.

A committee of MPs said it would be "disastrous" if the high quality of care at state-run nurseries was lost.

The single funding formula aims to fund private and voluntary nurseries in England at the same level as state pre-schools, which currently get more cash.

It was due to be introduced in April 2010, but has been postponed for a year because of fears raised by the sector.

Many predicted that the new funding arrangements would lead to very effective state-run nursery schools being unable to continue as they do at present.

Giving evidence to the Commons' Children, Schools and Families Committee in October last year, representatives from the early years sector said the funding formula took "a lot from relatively few to give little to many".

They said state nurseries would receive up to 35% less cash, while private nurseries got "pennies" more.

via news.bbc.co.uk