Petition · past parliament
Reverse changes to the Direct Schools Grant
Closed
311 signatures
What the petition asks
Changes to the Direct Schools Grant mean that local authorities are required to "pass through" 93-95% of funding to external providers.
The Government set aside £55m in transitional funding, but councils cannot access this for their nurseries.
Public sector nurseries nationwide now face closure.
The Government set aside £55m in transitional funding, but councils cannot access this for their nurseries.
Public sector nurseries nationwide now face closure.
Every year, Salford City Council invests £1.5m into its five nurseries. The nurseries are open to all, but specialise in supporting children and families with additional needs. They are all rated outstanding by Ofsted and score better than the city's private sector provision in school-readiness. They have a low turnover of highly dedicated and well-trained staff.
Changes to the Direct Schools Grant mean those nurseries are threatened with closure.
The problem is replicated across the country.
Changes to the Direct Schools Grant mean those nurseries are threatened with closure.
The problem is replicated across the country.
Timeline
| 1 May 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 1 Nov 2018 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
311
Status
Closed
Opened
1 May 2018
Closed
1 Nov 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.