Nursery staff receive praise from minister

Portsmouth has been delivering the 30 hours offer since last September, one year ahead of the national roll-out.

The offer aims to support parents with the cost of childcare – it could save working parents around £5,000 per year – as well removing the barriers to getting back to work or increasing their hours should they wish to.

Carousel Nursery School, in Northern Parade, Hilsea provides high-quality care for children from three months to five years, as well as a Kids Club for older children.

Early Years Minister Caroline Dinenage, the MP for Gosport, said: ‘It’s been a pleasure to visit Portsmouth and meet staff who are making a difference to the lives of hard-working parents.

‘We know that parents need more flexibility and support with their childcare arrangements. That’s exactly why we’re helping to ease the financial burden of childcare for working parents, backed by our record investment of £6bn per year by 2020.’

Mary Stares, nursery manager, said: ‘We’re privileged to have been able to showcase our nursery to the minister. Carousel is a small private setting and we are looking forward to continuing to provide our excellent service to hard-working families.’

The 30 hour offer is open to working parents of thee and four-year-olds, doubling the existing 15 free hours.