The fight to Save Our Nurseries is alive and ready to keep kicking as a response is awaited from the Government over flexibility for its early years funding formula that could mean the closure of the city's five OFSTED rated outstanding nurseries.
Salford Council has found an extra £1.5million funding until next summer but after that the nurseries will be in peril unless the Government steps in.
"As foster carer for Salford I have been fortunate to use the nursery at Little Hulton for four children I have cared for in the last five years, all these children had emotional issues" says foster carer Martin Rosenfield "The skills and care provided by the staff was essential for the children to thrive. If these outstanding local authority nurseries close, I don't think I could find a private nursery in my area with the skilled staff to care for the children I look after."
While Salford City Council's consultation on the future of the nurseries closes tomorrow, Monday 25th June at midnight*, next Sunday 1st July will see a day of fun and fundraising for the ongoing campaign to save the nurseries.
The day, at Buile Hill Park, begins with a car boot sale from 10am until 2pm**, and that's followed in Buile Hill Park Hall by a family friendly Fun Day from noon until 4pm with, amongst other attractions, the Silly Milly and Jolly Mandy Show plus face painting, a bouncy castle, pre-loved book and toy stalls, a tombola and much more.
"I hope many people will come along to support the Family Fun Day" says Barbara Keeley, MP for Worsley and Eccles South "The Campaign is to make sure we keep our five fantastic local authority-run day nurseries and we need the community to support this important fight."
Save Our Nurseries Family Fun Day/Car Boot Sale
Sunday 1st July
Car Boot 10am-2pm
Buile Hill Park
Fun Day 12 noon-4pm
Buile Hill Park Hall
* Anyone with an interest in saving the nurseries is urged to take part in the consultation which closes midnight 25th June click here for further details
** To book a spot at the car boot sale for £10 contact Sammie on 07736 005240.
For a full background on the Save Our Nurseries campaign see previous Salford Star article click here
The petition to Save Our Nurseries is still ongoing for further details click here