Mr. David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): I beg leave to present a petition on behalf of 2,712 constituents, representing concerned professionals in the nursery sector, parents and members of the public from Enfield, Southgate. The basis of their concern is the new nurseries code of practice, its rigid one-size-fits-all criteria and a shortfall in funding likely to lead to the loss of choice of nursery care and free provision.

The petition states:
The Petition of professionals in the nursery sector, concerned parents and members of the public,
Declares that nurseries, pre-schools and day-care providers fulfil a vital role in the development of pre-school children and that voluntary, private and independent nurseries provide the overwhelming majority of nursery care.

The Government’s new code of practice fundamentally changes the rules regarding the provision of free nursery places for three and four year olds. They are concerned that the new code of practice could cause significant financial harm and insecurity in the nursery sector, and force existing, trusted nurseries out of business, creating uncertainty for parents and children.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to halt the implementation of this code of practice and undertake an urgent assessment of its impact on nurseries.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.