Nursery World - Funding would support quality

By Lewis Wood, proprietor of the Wishing Tree Nursery in Brighton, East Sussex Since the 'Nurseries Undercover' programme was broadcast we have been approached by a number of parents expressing their concern, particularly those considering sending their children to nursery.

Since the 'Nurseries Undercover' programme was broadcast we have been approached by a number of parents expressing their concern, particularly those considering sending their children to nursery.

Parents place an enormous amount of trust in a nursery and its staff. They should expect that their child will receive as much care and attention as at home.

I can assure parents that we have set ourselves very high standards and promise continuous improvement, performance measurement and parent partnership.

But like any industry, the childcare sector is subject to varying quality standards. There is a shortage of good people and salaries are lower than they should be. None of this will change until the Government recognises that nursery funding is totally inadequate. How can a private day nursery pay a more reasonable salary when the profit margins are low and fees are already at a level that many parents cannot afford?

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