Hertfordshire Conservatives Failing to Provide Enough Pre-School Places

Figures released by the County Council in January 2013 have revealed that there are just 1200 pre-school places across the entire county, despite a target requirement of 4000 by September 2014. Failure to recruit organisations to provide the places has already lead to the criteria having to be amended. This Tory failure is letting down parents trying to get back to work.

Liberal Democrat County Cllr Mark Watkin (Nascot Park, Watford) said "It's a real concern and seems to show that the Conservative administration's inability to plan for school places has now extended down to pre-school. These numbers are a real concern and Herts CC need to be doing more right now to provide more pre-school facilities and ensure that enough childcare staff are trained."

Cllr Nick Hollinghurst (Tring & The Villages) added "The Tory run council has compounded the mess by admitting that they haven't even got criteria in place for childminders to get involved in the scheme, despite the large numbers of families which could benefit. Free childcare for two-year olds is another tool to help families get back to work in our county."