Battle for places at nursery (From Barry And District News)

Battle for places at nursery

TWO leading political figures in the town have vowed to overturn a decision by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to take away funding for full-time school nursery places.

Vale MP John Smith and AM Jane Hutt have condemned the decision.

As the Barry & District News recently revealed, full-time nursery places were available at certain schools in the area - but this was due to "error" and "confusion" on the part of the council and these places are no longer available.

Neighbouring Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taff authorities provide full-time nursery places to all four- and five-year-olds, but the Vale council will only provide part-time places for children of the same age.

Jane Hutt said: "Full-time nursery places are essential for working families.

"For the council to withdraw the provision of full-time nursery places is simply unacceptable.

"I will be working closely with John Smith, MP, parents and others to overturn this decision."

Mr Smith added: "As a result of this appalling decision, many children in the Vale will be denied a full-time nursery place.

"In 1997 I campaigned to secure these full-time places.

"I, alongside Jane Hutt, parents, school teachers and governors, will fight to have this absurd decision reversed."

Both Mr Smith and Mrs Hutt have asked the Welsh Assembly Government to look into the situation as a matter of urgency.

Mr Smith has called for an independent investigation.

"Hundreds of children will be denied full-time nursery care because of the so-called errors by the council," he said.