Basingstoke’s MP, Maria Miller, visited Kids’ Basingstoke Nursey to meet nursery staff, parents and children, and to discuss the Government’s new funding for free childcare for children under 4 which could create 700 extra childcare places in Basingstoke.
Maria said, “Kids Nursery provides essential childcare for parents in Basingstoke and it’s specialism in supporting children with special needs means more parents can get the appropriate childcare for their children, bringing together both disabled and non-disabled children between 3 months and 5 years old.
“The increase in demand for special needs places in schools is putting huge pressure onto everyone. Parents I met at Kids pointed out that the extra help from staff eased the pressure they face in securing their child’s place in school.
“The government has recently announced the largest expansion of childcare support in history, providing real help for working people, and childcare providers like Kids will undoubtedly play an important role in providing the extra places needed.”
Katherine Shaw, Director of Services for Kids added “We are proud of our children's nursery in Basingstoke, and how it achieves inclusivity of those with disabilities and all other children, encouraging them to explore, interact, and grow.
“We know from our own early years and nursery provision both here in Hampshire and other English regions that when specialist support is provided, the number of children with SEND who successfully transition to mainstream schools is significant. As well as enabling better educational and well-being outcomes, parents and practitioners at Kids enjoyed meeting with Dame Maria to bring to life their experiences and show why targeted support for children with SEND within an inclusive setting is so vital.”
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