A CONTROVERSIAL cost-cutting measure which sought to move children’s nurseries to external providers is progressing with the first six settings already set to be taken over.
A council-led investigation commenced before national changes which came into effect in September allowed eligible, working families to claim up to 30 hours’ of term-time support for children aged from just nine months.
One move to plug the gaps identified was to use alternative providers away from the council’s in-house service to deliver care at the local authority’s Family Hub venues to ‘save taxpayers’ money’.
A report found the total number of early years providers in Barnsley has increased from 244 to 261 but take-up rates, which subsequently place more pressure on stretched providers, are 4.2 per cent above the national average locally.
Councillor Ashley Peace, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, said: “Since full council approval in February 2025, work has progressed to transfer six council-run nurseries to external providers as part of the medium-term financial strategy.
“A team of staff from different parts of the council have been checking the work to make sure children stay safe, staff are treated fairly and families can keep using good quality nursery places.
“In spring 2025, the team spoke with many nursery providers.
“They asked them questions, read plans and held interviews.
“We looked for providers who could deliver steady, high-quality care,
support staff, remain financially strong and meet local needs.
“Some providers were selected in summer 2025, but a few later dropped out due to costs, staff terms and conditions, or other risks.
“This meant that we had to run a second round with more local and national providers.”
The hubs lauded as a huge success by council bosses are based in Thurnscoe, Worsbrough Dale, Athersley North, Grimethorpe, Penistone and Wombwell and provide childcare and support for families in need.
However, to offer 30 hours’ funded places to those who need it, the council said it was necessary for additional investment and, due to the ‘current financial position’, it has been deemed not viable.
Therefore, they ‘can neither expand the offer to meet the requirements nor continue to operate as we are’ and other operators have subsequently been sought.
“Another set of interviews happened across December and January we are now conducting detailed checks to ensure each provider can offer safe, strong and lasting nursery services,” Coun Peace added.
“Teams from HR, legal, finance, estates and early years are working together to manage staff TUPE arrangements.
“Staff and trade unions have been kept informed and families are receiving regular updates through a clear communication plan.
“The programme is now working to a new timetable, with the changes expected to be complete by September 2026.
“Potential new providers have been found for all six nurseries.
“We are still talking with them to make sure the services are high-quality, affordable and sustainable.”
