Hitchin MP Peter Lilley has visited a much-loved nursery to acknowledge the great work they do and to examine their options in bridging potential funding deficits through proposed government budget cuts.

The Comet: York Road Infant pupils Stephenie Holland and Issac Lavery in the new sensory room.York Road Infant pupils Stephenie Holland and Issac Lavery in the new sensory room. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Mr Lilley dropped by the popular York Road Nursery School on Friday to help raise their profile and to learn more about the quality provision they offer young children at a difficult time for many nurseries in our area.

Headteacher Diane Frainer said: “We’re honoured to have our local MP visit our nursery and see the great work we do.

“It’s also important to help us raise our profile – and for the government to understand the quality provision of Early Years Foundation Stages, particularly nursery schools such as ourselves offer young children.

“This is a critical time for nursery schools over the next three years when funding will be reduced. For us it means cuts of £40,000 per year. We need to be sustainable in the long term so we have to look at alternative ways of raising money.”

The Comet: York Road Infant School governor Elizabeth Evans and head teacher Diane Frainer show Hitchin MP Peter Lilley around the school.York Road Infant School governor Elizabeth Evans and head teacher Diane Frainer show Hitchin MP Peter Lilley around the school. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Mr Lilley toured the vibrant school and told the Comet: “What I will take away from my visit is that it is a very bubbly school.

“I will be looking to learn more about their situation and will try and help as much as I can.”