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Skipton MP meets nursery manager to discuss growing pressures on independent nurseries

Wednesday, 17 September 2025 10:48

Julian Smith MP with Rachael Ogden from Shimmering Stars

Julian Smith met with Rachael Ogden, co-manager of Shimmering Stars Nursery on Friday.

He met with Rachel in Skipton to discuss the growing pressures on small, independent nursery settings.

Concerns have been raised about the future of independent nurseries following a recent meeting attended by representatives of Shimmering Stars nursery.

At the meeting, Ms Ogden from Shimmering Stars highlighted the growing trend of schools opening their own nursery provision.

She noted that school-based nurseries often benefit from more favourable staffing ratios and convenience for parents, which, alongside disparities in funding, could impact the sustainability of independent providers.

She also pointed out that maintained nurseries receive higher levels of funding, while independent providers may find it difficult to offer competitive wages.

After the meeting, local MP Julian Smith commented:

“Shimmering Stars is a well-regarded nursery that plays a vital role in our local community.

"It has recently received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted and provides care for children who may not be accepted elsewhere, including those with complex needs.

"It is essential that we protect the diversity of early years provision, ensuring that both maintained and independent settings can thrive.

"I have written to the Secretary of State for Education to raise these concerns and to seek assurances that policy changes will not undermine parental choice or the sustainability of valued local nurseries.”

The discussion reflects broader debates within the early years sector about how funding arrangements and policy changes may affect different types of providers.

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