Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, visited Alice Park Nursery in Larkhall to learn more about the work of this Early Years provider supporting children under five years old. Mrs Hobhouse praised the nursery for its nurturing staff and stimulating environment. She underlined the importance of recognising Early Years’ educators for their vital contribution to children’s development and called for increased Government funding for the sector.
Located in the green setting of Alice Park, the nursery has been supporting young children for 15 years. Wera met Jacqui Watson, who runs Alice Park Nursery and Riverside Nursery in the centre of Bath, nursery staff and some of the children who attend the nursery. Wera joined the two- to three-year-olds for play and to read a story.
Following the visit, Alice Park Nursery founder Jacqui Watson said, “My staff and I were delighted to welcome Wera to our nursery so that she could see how we support children. We discussed our approach and the challenges our sector faces.
“Childcare is not thought of in the same way as teaching, even though children learn more in their first 1,000 days than at any other time in their lives. Staff are put off by low wages and lack of respect and understanding for what they do.
“Our sector is facing a crisis. I support Government expanding the funding for all children from nine months over the next year, but providers remain massively underfunded. Parents are told it is free, but nurseries and childminders would not survive if we couldn’t charge for food and consumables.
“We also discussed the overall increase in Special Educational Needs (SEN) over the years and how support has lessened while expectations for our staff have grown. I am grateful to Wera for coming to listen to me and any support that she can give Early Years as a sector.”
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse commented, “The staff at Alice Park Nursery have created an inviting environment that encourages children to explore and develop. It was a joy to join in with the children’s activities. The staff make the most of their location in Alice Park, taking the children outdoors all year round.
“Even before the coronavirus outbreak, the Early Years sector struggled to meet the gap between what the Government pays to cover free hours and their overheads, meaning fees have soared. Childcare providers are a vital element of our society – giving children the best start in life and helping parents get out to work. Government Ministers need to get serious about supporting families and step in with a proper plan to save the childcare sector.
“Many parents who want to work, especially mothers, can spend several years out of the workplace because they can’t afford childcare. This affects their career trajectory, their confidence, and their long-term earning potential.
“The Government must work with local authorities and intervene to ensure care provision for the future by supporting the childcare sector with additional emergency funding to enable local authorities to fill gaps in provision. Councils need to be funded and empowered to set up provision to fill any gaps created by provider failure.”