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Barnsley councillors to vote on future of nurseries and school catering

The council said the changes aim to expand nursery provision to 30 hours a week while also ending subsidies of more than £1m across both services.

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Barnsley councillors to vote on future of nurseries and school catering
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Barnsley councillors will vote on proposals to transfer the running of nurseries in six Family Hubs and review the Barnsley Schools Catering service as part of next year’s budget.

The council said the changes aim to expand nursery provision to 30 hours a week—something the current model cannot provide—while also ending subsidies of more than £1m across both services.

The council argued that alternative providers could offer a more sustainable and improved childcare service.

It has also stated that, should a transition take place, employment law regulations would ensure that existing staff are transferred on their current terms and conditions.

The Family Hubs will remain open to provide wider family support.

However, the GMB Union has warned that there are just three weeks left to stop what it calls the “privatisation” of Barnsley’s nurseries.

The union, alongside early years workers and parents, is campaigning to halt the transfer, arguing that Family Hubs are essential resources in some of the town’s most deprived communities.

They warn that moving to private providers could impact the quality of care and safeguarding measures, particularly for vulnerable children.

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The union has launched an online petition against the proposals, and parents and staff are urging local councillors and MPs to oppose the changes.

The full council will debate and vote on the plans on 27 February.

Vicky Austin, organiser at GMB, said: “We understand the financial challenges facing the local authority, but we strongly urge them to reconsider these proposals.

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“GMB met with the council and shared the concerns of our members, making it clear that we are committed to working together.

“However, we cannot stand by and let this decision be made without fighting to stop this potential privatisation, which goes against everything we stand for as a union.

“What Barnsley Council is proposing is outrageous. These nurseries provide exceptional care and support to some of the most vulnerable children in the most deprived areas of Barnsley.

“It is unacceptable that councillors are considering selling off these services to a private operator.

“Parents, staff, and GMB are united on this issue; we will not stand by while Labour councillors vote to dismantle vital services.”

Cllr Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for core services, said: “Children and families in Barnsley deserve to have access to high-quality childcare which meets the changing needs of family life. 

“We know that our current childcare offer is limited – offering 15 hours of childcare entitlement in term time only for children aged two and over.  

“We’re currently seeking feedback from potential alternative providers that could offer high-quality childcare at six sites across Barnsley.

“This could mean a better offer that meets families’ changing needs, such as childcare broader than term time only, access to at least 30 hours of childcare entitlement and access for children aged nine months upwards. 

“This review looks to get the maximum benefits for children through a high-quality early years education while helping parents and carers with home life and work commitments.  

“Alongside this, we also know many schools have already moved away from the council’s school meal service, and we believe there are providers who are better placed to deliver school catering without the need for a council investment. 

“Throughout these reviews and beyond, children in our primary schools will continue to get a hot, nutritious meal, and I can reassure families that children will still have access to nursery places.

“We’ll still provide children with the high standard of care that they’ve always received. 

“We understand that these reviews may be unsettling for staff in both these services.

“We’ve been working with them, and the Trade Unions, throughout, keeping them informed and providing advice and support.” 

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