Fewer nursery places for vulnerable children in Westminster

News from Westminster Labour

Fewer nursery places for vulnerable children in Westminster

By Westminster Labour ⋅ May 24, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment
Share

Massive increase in holiday play scheme charges sees attendance figures tumble.

Conservative Government cuts in assistance to parents and children have resulted in Westminster losing £80 per child which mean that there are fewer places being provided for vulnerable children in council run nurseries, down over the last few years from 103 full-time equivalent places in 2006 to just 20 by later this year.

In addition, the number of parents being able to afford holiday provision for their children at the Council’s play centres has already tumbled by 40% since higher charges were introduced in April 2011. Meanwhile early intervention projects such as Newpin, and childcare organisations like the Westminster Pre-School Learning Alliance are in limbo waiting to hear if, now grant funding has vanished, Westminster will commission any services from them in future and if so, at what level.

Key facts and figures are:

Big reduction in Nursery ‘children in need’ places:
2006/07 – 103;
2007/08 – 103;
2008/09 – 97;
2009/10 – 91;
2010/11 – 68;
2011/12 – 40 (April – Sept) reducing to 20 (Oct – March).

And a big decline in attendance at holiday play schemes:
A total of 186 children attended the Council’s Holiday Play schemes in Easter 2011, which compares with 306 in Easter 2010, a 39% reduction.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Leader of the Labour Group, said; “Once again, it is the most vulnerable residents who are bearing the brunt of this major cut in front line services. The cuts are too fast and too deep and they are having an immediate negative impact on those who need the services the most.

“These are heartless cuts which take no account of their impact on families, on relationships and on the community. The Conservatives see everything in monetary terms and they are making the very poorest pay the price of other peoples’ mistakes.”

Other news from Westminster Labour