Yet another promise that the coalition government has broken. And it doesn't make sense. Despite both Cameron and Clegg promising to support the vital Sure Start services, they've since removed the ringfence around Sure Start funds, meaning local councils can spend the money wherever they want. I am absolutely RAGING and hope that there might be other mums out there who are with me??
As a mum to twins who attend my local Sure Start nursery, this makes my blood run cold. Sure Start provides both affordable, brilliant childcare and services to the wider community focused on 0-5 year-olds health, welfare and education. It is a place where the whole community can come together, regardless of income, as all activities are free. The government says that it wants to change the structure to protect the neediest in the community - of course - but are they saying that if a family is better off it shouldn't mix with people from a different socio-economic group. It is imperative that communities are composed of all, and not ghettoised, to ensure a more understanding and caring culture for all our children to grow up in. I pay my taxes to support a welfare state which means that my children grow up in a supportive environment of happy children and families - we do not want to end up a bubble in a sea of malcontent.
An investigation by Daybreak's Cordelia Kretschmar, aired today www.itv.com/daybreak/news/surestartshock/ reveals that 85% of councils are refusing to commit to Sure Start funding, with a large handful actually considering slashing the services. The government minister who was lined up to discuss this on air CALLED IN SICK (lame!) but sent a statement saying the government expected local authorities to maintain Sure Start - so WHY remove the ringfence then???
If the government is trying to encourage parents to work HOW can it justify the removal of nurseries that offer affordable and good quality childcare? In some instances, even where a children's centre is safe, the nursery can be closed if undersubscribed. There are parents who really cannot afford to spend more on childcare, so where does this leave them? Potentially out of work, as with cuts to child benefit too, this seriously dents a family's pockets. There in an inference that they are presuming that there's a granny tucked away somewhere to take up the slack.
SURELY we should not be just sitting back and letting them take away a service that provides so much to so many, including health, welfare and education services in a free, accessible, non-denominational and welcoming environment, and is a real hub for the community, crossing socio-economic and cultural divides and encouraging understanding within communities? If we were in France we would have had a mum strike by now - THAT might make the government realise how much they need to listen to us!!
rarrrgh! Would love to hear from any mums who are with me on this one!!
Emily, mum to twin boys, Tooting, London
www.theshockofthetwo.com]