‘OUTRAGEOUS’ proposals which could result in children’s nurseries currently under Barnsley Council’s control being privatised to save cash broke cover yesterday sparking an urgent plea for a U-turn just two weeks before their fate is to be decided.

Local authority bosses are seeking to transfer control of the nurseries to private operators but staff and parents are said to be deeply concerned about the potential consequences for both the quality of care and the vital safeguarding the nurseries provide.

Bosses told the Chronicle yesterday that they have been reviewing the ‘evolving needs’ of families and looking at how they can get the most effective use of council resources.

This, they said, may include alternative providers who are able to provide an expanded childcare offer of at least 30 hours, which is something the current model is unable to provide.

However, in the event new providers are brought in to deliver services, employment law regulations make sure jobs are safeguarded, as existing council staff will transfer to the new provider on their existing terms and conditions.

GMB, the union which represents early years workers, has warned there are just two weeks to save the nurseries as part of a £3.9m cost-cutting measure in the council’s children’s services directorate.

The union, along with workers and parents, want to stop the council’s plan to offload nurseries at six of its Family Hubs which have been hailed as essential resources in some of the most deprived communities in the town.

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.

Under the current model, the council taxpayer effectively subsidises the cost of childcare at these nurseries by more than £480,000.

To offer 30 hours of funded places, the council need additional investment and, due to the council’s ‘current financial position’, it has been deemed not viable at this time to invest funding to test this out.

Therefore, they ‘can neither expand the offer to meet the requirements nor continue to operate as we are’.

Coun Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for core services, said: “We know that our current childcare offer is limited, offering 15 hours of childcare entitlement in term time only for children aged two and over.

“We’re currently seeking feedback from potential alternative providers that could offer high-quality childcare at six sites across Barnsley.

“This could mean a better offer that meets changing needs, such as childcare broader than term time only, access to at least 30 hours of childcare entitlement and access for children aged nine months upwards.

“This review looks to get the maximum benefits for children through a high-quality early years education while helping parents and carers with home life and work commitments.

“We understand these reviews may be unsettling for staff.

|”We’re already regularly talking to our staff, schools and trade unions, offering advice and support, which will continue throughout the process.”

GMB launched an online petition yesterday, while parents and staff are also reaching out to local councillors and MPs, urging them to help their cause.

Vicky Austin, from GMB, added: “We understand the financial challenges facing the local authority but we strongly urge them to reconsider these proposals.

“GMB met with the council and shared the concerns of our members, making it clear that we are committed to working together.

“However, we cannot stand by and let this decision be made without fighting to stop this potential privatisation.

“It goes against everything we stand for as a union.

“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.

“Parents, staff and GMB are united on this issue.

“We will not stand by while Labour councillors vote to dismantle vital services.”

The privatisation plan will be debated at a full council meeting where the forthcoming budget will also be set on February 27.

Leader of Barnsley’s branch of the Liberal Democrats, Coun Hannah Kitching, said: “We are aware of concerns raised about the council’s plans to cease providing in-house nursery care.

“We will be giving careful consideration to this and other proposals when the budget comes to full council later this month.”