To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a long term funding settlement for maintained nursery schools in Budget 2021.
Answered on
23 February 2021
Maintained nursery schools (MNS) are an important part of the early years sector and provide valuable services, especially in disadvantaged areas.
As part of the recent Spending Review, the government has confirmed a continuation of around £60 million of supplementary funding for MNS in the 2021/22 financial year. This includes £23 million of supplementary funding that the government confirmed in August 2020 will be provided to local authorities for the summer term in 2021.
The department continues to consider what is required to ensure a clear, long-term picture of funding for MNS. This government remains committed to the long-term funding of MNS, and any reform to the way they are funded will be accompanied by appropriate funding protections.