Council to transfer nurseries to private sector

Plans to transfer council-run nurseries to private operators have been called "outrageous" by a trade union.

Barnsley's family hubs offer a range of support and services, including nursery places used by 204 children across six sites.

Barnsley Council said that transferring control of the nurseries would mean parents could access more hours of childcare.

But the GMB union said the council should not "sell off" the nurseries in Thurnscoe, Worsbrough, Athersley, Grimethorpe, Penistone and Wombwell.

The council said private operators would be able to provide extra childcare of at least 30 hours, which cannot currently be offered by the public sector.

Under the current model, council taxpayers subsidise the cost of childcare at these nurseries by more than £480,000.

The family hubs would remain open if an external provider took over and existing staff would transfer over on the same terms and conditions.

Councillor Robert Frost said: "Our current childcare offer is limited, offering 15 hours of childcare entitlement in term time only for children aged two and over.

"We are currently seeking feedback from potential providers that could offer high quality childcare.

"This could mean childcare broader than term time only, access to at least 30 hours and access for children aged nine months upwards."

The GMB said it would not stand by while councillors voted "to dismantle vital services."

Vicky Austin, a GMB organiser, said: "We understand the financial challenges facing the local authority, but we strongly urge them to reconsider.

"We cannot stand by and let this decision be made without fighting to stop this potential privatisation. What Barnsley Council is proposing is outrageous.

"These nurseries provide exceptional care and support to some of the most vulnerable children in the most deprived areas of Barnsley.

"It is unacceptable that councillors are considering selling off these services to a private operator."

Full council will discuss the changes at a meeting on 27 February.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.