Nursery World - Maintained nursery schools running at a loss forced to cut teachers and support for disadvantaged families

More than half of maintained nursery schools had an in-year deficit in 2021-22, with many forced to lose teaching staff, a survey by Early Education and education unions suggests.

Maintained nursery schools around England are struggling to survive and many fear closure, according to the survey PHOTO Adobe Stock

A fifth of the remaining 385 nursery schools in England said they expected to face closure withing three years.

Many nursery schools operate in the most deprived areas of the country.

In the same way as other early years providers, maintained nursery schools struggle to cover their costs from government funding and took a hit during the pandemic with increased costs and reduced income.

More than a quarter, 28 per cent, had a cumulative deficit in 2021-22.

Just 41 per cent said they were able to set a balanced budget for 2022-23, with 44 per cent saying they could not and 15 per cent not knowing if they would be able to.

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