Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell has visited Saffrons Park Nursery to meet with the owner, see their forest school ethos in action and discuss the extension to free childcare hours for parents.
Caroline talked with Sarah Putland and toured the nursery, including the outdoor spaces and Yurt, and she met staff and the children.
It was familiar ground for the MP as she sent her three boys to the nursery’s predecessor back in the day.
Caroline was able to see the children exploring their surroundings and learning through play and to sit down with Sarah and talk through some of the challenges nurseries face as businesses and how they are finding the newly funded free childcare roll-out.
There is already 30 hours a week of government funded childcare for three to four-year-olds designed to cover school term time and the government will continue the expansion in a phased way.
In September 15 hours of childcare for nine-month-olds is due and 30 hours for all under-fives is due to happen from September next year. There is an income cap of £100,000.
The expansion has led to a significant increase in enquiries at Saffrons Park suggesting a significant number of families are now taking up the offer, Caroline was told.
Sarah explained the expansion has come with significant administrative requirements nurseries now have to meet. Caroline has already raised these concerns with the education secretary.
She also heard about Sarah’s ambitions to support more people with business-focused advice who are looking to open nurseries. Caroline said she would take this up with the business secretary as it may help with expanding the early year sector to meet demand.
“It was really important to meet with Sarah and be updated on the early years sector. I loved the warm homely feel they have created and the emphasis on learning in the natural world,” said Caroline.
“I’ve already told the minister about the wonderful learning going on in this very special setting and have arranged to meet him to raise several challenges because it is vital they hear first-hand about concerns and views from those on the frontline in Eastbourne.
“Anything that can help support people or companies entering the early years sector is very welcome. It is clear there is a demand for free places and I really liked Sarah’s idea to give support.
“Thank to everyone at Saffrons Park for giving me such a warm welcome and their time. Even though it was raining hard for a spell, there were children outside and loving it!
It was also a little trip down memory lane for me.”
Sarah said: “We really appreciated Caroline taking the time to spend time in our nursery setting. We are really passionate about what we do, the education we offer and it was great to share this. It has been a struggle for many of us who work in Early Years and Caroline took the time to listen to our challenges so that she can feedback on our behalf"
