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LONG READ: Axe swings over council and NHS early years settings

In-Depth
Settings are facing closure due to them not being financially sustainable as providers seek to save costs and as the expanded entitlement adds extra pressure. By Katy Morton
Local nursery campaigners with Hackney MP Diane Abbott PHOTO Josh Kelly

At a time when tens of thousands of additional places are needed for the full roll-out of the expanded offer, council-run and workplace nurseries, which offer subsidised places, are increasingly closing their doors.

Just last month, King’s College Hospital announced the closure of its two workplace nurseries, while Queen Mary University shut its onsite setting in August.

In Hackney, parents are currently fighting against the decision by the council to close two of its Children’s Centre nurseries next year, taking their case to the High Courts of Justice in the next two weeks (main image and right).

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