Star date: 14th January 2019

'CONCERN' AS SALFORD COUNCIL NURSERIES PUT OUT TO TENDER

In a letter to Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, the Save Our Salford Nurseries Campaign has expressed concern that the uncertainty and "slow progress" over the future of the five outstanding Council nurseries "has had a significant impact on the staff and service".

The nurseries were put out to tender last month, and the Campaign, while inviting the Mayor to a meeting at the end of this month, warns him that "A privatised option has been shown to lead to problems of cost, delivery and long term viability".

Full details here...

While Salford Council has guaranteed funding for its five OFSTED rated outstanding nurseries until September this year, their uncertain future is causing concern amongst campaigners.

In a letter to Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, inviting him to meet with them on 31st January, the Save Our Salford Nurseries Campaign writes...

"We are concerned that the lengthy consultation processes undertaken in the last 10 months has had a significant impact on the staff and service. Although the guarantee made in April 2018 of funding until September 2019 was welcome the slow progress in securing the nurseries long term future has led to a number of operational problems.

"Only approximately 50% of the permanent qualified staff now remain and there is a heavy reliance on agency and temporarily contracted staff which is putting the 'outstanding' service at risk" the letter adds.

Earlier this month, the Salford Star revealed that there was a move in November to increase fees for the nurseries by up to £37 a week, before it was withdrawn after the Star pointed it out to trade unions. This would have priced out parents, reducing demand.*

In the event, the nurseries were put out to tender via the national Chest website and, following a response to a Question and Answer request from the Campaign, fears have not been allayed...

"The the failure within the Q & As to guarantee the existing staffing structure by any private provider puts the quality of service at risk as well as the future pay, terms and conditions of staff" the letter to the Mayor adds "In this situation we would like to discuss with you and your colleagues the possibility of continued Local Authority funding... A privatised option has been shown to lead to problems of cost, delivery and long term viability..."

The only current confirmation of members of the Council who will be attending  the meeting on the 31st are the Deputy Mayor Councillor Merry and Executive Member Councillor Walsh. It could be a stormy evening for them...

For full background and details see previous Salford Star article – Salford City Council Wins Radio Ga Ga Award – click here

Main photo by Gareth Lyons