Parents on a deprived Bradford estate have started a petition to save free Sure Start childcare.

Mother-of-three Anne-Marie Fletcher, who uses the children’s centre at Reevy Hill Primary School in Buttershaw, says they were told childcare provision will end there on March 31.

The centre that opened in 2007 in Bedale Drive is one of 41 such Sure Start facilities around Bradford set up by the Labour Government to give pre-school children a better start in life, offering young and vulnerable families free services and support.

Bradford Council last night confirmed Government funding to subsidise childcare at the Reevy Hill centre would definitely end.

Chris Whiley, the Council’s assistant director for localities, children and young people’s service, said: “Unfortunately, this has not been possible but we can assure parents that there are enough suitable places at other locations within a reasonable travelling distance to provide alternative care.”

Mrs Fletcher said furious parents were now planning a protest outside City Hall to show their anger and frustration at the pending closure.

She said there were serious fears among parents that other Sure Start services including adult learning courses would also be axed.

Bradford councillors will set their budget on Thursday, February 24.

  • Read the full story in Thursday’s T&A