Could it be that the worst is over for the private nursery sector, in terms of their fears for their survival? Certainly, several speakers at last week's Laing and Buisson conference thought that might be the case, and it is possible to detect a glimmer of cautious optimism among some providers these days. The decision by a local authority in the Manchester area to buy in some Sure Start places from a local Leapfrog nursery with spare occupancy is an interesting move (see News, page 4), especially if it is replicated across the country. If the message that local authorities must not launch more childcare places if existing provision will suffice is getting across - as Sure Start head Sheila Scales argued - then that is good news for the private and voluntary sectors.
Could it be that the worst is over for the private nursery sector, in terms of their fears for their survival? Certainly, several speakers at last week's Laing and Buisson conference thought that might be the case, and it is possible to detect a glimmer of cautious optimism among some providers these days.
The decision by a local authority in the Manchester area to buy in some Sure Start places from a local Leapfrog nursery with spare occupancy is an interesting move (see News, page 4), especially if it is replicated across the country. If the message that local authorities must not launch more childcare places if existing provision will suffice is getting across - as Sure Start head Sheila Scales argued - then that is good news for the private and voluntary sectors.
The investment by Australian group ABC Learning in the UK sector, with its acquisition of Busy Bees, is also fuelling a little hope. The DfES decision to examine nursery education funding in the face of shortfalls and the ban on top-up fees could also promise better things to come.
The situation is still far from comfortable, with low average occupancy rates and more closures certain to be on the cards. Let's hope, however, that we are seeing the first stirrings of recovery for a sector that has had it tough for the past few years.
