Maintained nursery schools, like other early years providers, struggle to cover their costs from government funding. In April and May, sector body Early Education carried out an online survey of maintained nursery schools, in association with NAHT, NEU and UNISON.

The survey found:

• more than half of all maintained nursery schools in England had an in-year deficit in 2021-22
• 28% had a cumulative deficit
• only 4 in ten (41%) had been able to set a balanced budget for 2022-23 
• 44% could not set a balanced budget and
• 15% didn’t yet know if they were able to.

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said:

“The confirmation of a long-term funding commitment for maintained nursery schools was very welcome. However, it is clear that this alone will not address the issues the sector is facing. What we now need to see is a review of how funding is distributed, as well as immediate financial support for those nurseries facing the biggest financial challenges. Successive governments have pledged their commitment to the maintained nurseries, now is the time to match that commitment with actions and secure their long-term future.”

Find out more and download the survey here.

Find out more about NAHT’s campaign to Fix School Funding.