Tim Farron secures meeting with Education Minister over future of Stramongate Nursery
On the floor of the House of Commons this week, local MP Tim Farron asked the Secretary of State for Education to support a nursery school in Kendal that is faced with potential closure.
Following an Ofsted inspection this summer which rated them as ‘inadequate’, funding for free entitlement places for children at Stramongate Nursery will be withdrawn at the end of this year.
As a result, the nursery say that continuing may be “unsustainable” and that “one possible decision may be to close the nursery as of 1st January 2025”, causing significant problems for parents, children, and the staff who work there.
Speaking during Education Questions in Parliament, Tim said: “Stramongate nursery school in Kendal faces closure following an Ofsted inspection. If it had been a regular school, it would have had help to remain open under special measures, but as it is, the nursery may have to close.
“Will the Secretary of State pay attention to this particular issue to ensure that the children and parents are protected, and that childcare can continue?”
Responding, the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I will look carefully at the case and ensure that the honourable Gentleman has a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss it further.”
Speaking afterwards, Tim said: “If Stramongate Nursery were to close it would be a huge blow because of the under 2 care provision it offers and knowing that other providers in the area would struggle to provide all parents affected with a like for like service.”