A HEADTEACHER has warned nursery schools across Lancashire could be forced to close if government funding plans are not re-thought.

Linda Connelly, who leads Staghills Nursery School and Children’s Centre in Rossendale, which has been in the borough for 60 years. said she is worried for its future.

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Earlier this year the government announced plans to introduce a fairer early years funding system so they can deliver 30 hours free childcare.

But campaigners have warned nursery schools will be hit because they offer a curriculum taught by qualified teachers and headteachers and are therefore more expensive to run than daycare centres.

There are currently 23 maintained nursery schools providing 1,300 places across Lancashire.

Ms Connelly, said: “Our funding has been guaranteed until 2019. From then we do not know if we will have funding.

“Within education, nursery schools are the most effective sector. We make a big difference in disadvantaged areas.

“In Rossendale there are three nursery schools. That would be the loss of around 500 places. Where would those children go?

“We are all incredibly worried about the future and whether we will be here.

“If the government does not look again at the way they propose to fund all nursery education, by 2019 we will be struggling to remain open.”

Ms Connelly, along with more than 300 headteachers, has been campaigning as part of an all party parliamentary group on the future of maintained nurseries and gathering signatures from parents.

“Whenever we attend a meeting, the support from all parties is passionate.

“We just have to hope this campaign will send a signal to the government that we have the backing and support of communities.

“It would be devastating for our communities if we go.”

Mum-of-two and Staghills school governor Liz Mutch said nursery schools bridge the attainment gap with 93 per cent rated good or outstanding.

She said: “If we get to 2019 and we have made as many savings as we can then we have to start cutting staff, it cuts the quality and then we are no longer a nursery school.”

Burnley MP Julie Cooper said: “The benefits to children in these early years are well documented.”and undoubtedly give children the very best start in life.

“I will be making the point strongly to government ministers that, if we want outstanding educational outcomes for our children at 16 and 18, we must invest in those early years. In fact it is said that every pound spent then saves ten later.”