Here is an update on my work over March and April across Congleton Town Council and in the wider community, following on from my previous blog.
If you would like to raise a local issue or discuss something in more detail, please do get in touch:
cllrsusan.mead@congleton-tc.gov.uk
Meeting with MP
I met with our MP to discuss the pressures that local nurseries are facing, ahead of a meeting with the Minister for Education. We held a preparation meeting with local nurseries to talk through the issues affecting us as PVI (Private, Voluntary and Independent) providers.
We developed a detailed plan and prioritised list of key concerns to raise with the Minister. These included issues around SEND, Ofsted pressures, the limited 15-hour entitlement, underfunding, and perceived favouritism towards schools in terms of funding and opportunities.
Olivia Bailey was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Early Education) and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) at the Department for Education.
Meeting with Minister
I was fortunate to part-present and take part in a meeting with the Department for Education and Olivia Bailey, Minister for Early Education.
The key points I raised during the meeting were:
The early years sector plays a vital role in supporting children’s development, enabling family stability, and helping parents—particularly mothers—return to work. In a recent 30-minute discussion, nursery representatives highlighted several urgent challenges affecting providers and families across the sector.
1. Gaps in Holiday Childcare Provision
Current government funding for childcare is largely structured around term-time delivery, yet many working families require year-round support. This creates significant gaps during school holidays, placing financial strain on families and limiting parents’ ability to remain in work. Providers also struggle to deliver consistent holiday care without sustainable funding.
2. Underfunding of “Free” Childcare Entitlements
The 15 and 30-hour funded childcare offers often fail to reflect the true cost of delivery. This shortfall is placing nurseries under financial pressure, restricting investment in staff and resources, and increasing the risk of closures.
3. Restrictions on Charging for Consumables
Limitations on charging for essentials such as meals, nappies, and materials are creating operational challenges. Providers report difficulties covering day-to-day costs and navigating complex compliance requirements.
4. Limited Access to the Full 30-Hour Offer
Not all families qualify for the full 30 hours of funded childcare, leaving some unable to access sufficient provision to remain in work. This also creates inconsistent attendance patterns, affecting provider income and sustainability.
5. Ongoing SEND Support Challenges
Nurseries supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) face delays in funding and limited access to specialist services. This increases staff workload and can restrict the level of support children receive.
6. Administrative Burden of SEND Processes
Extensive and repetitive paperwork requirements are reducing the time practitioners can spend directly supporting children. The sector is calling for more streamlined processes.
7. Pressures from Ofsted Inspections
The high-stakes nature of inspections continues to cause significant stress for providers. A single outcome can impact reputation and financial viability, with concerns about a culture of fear rather than support and improvement.
8. Perceived Imbalance Between School and Private Providers
There is growing concern that government policy and messaging increasingly favour school-based nurseries. Sector leaders argue this risks undermining private, voluntary, and independent providers, despite their critical role in delivering early years education.
Conclusion
The discussion concluded with a clear call for change: more sustainable funding, reduced administrative burdens, improved SEND support, fairer treatment across provider types, and childcare policies that better reflect the realities of working families. Continued engagement between government and the early years sector will be essential to ensure a stable and effective system for children, parents, and providers alike.
Refit of the Hub
I have been working hard to refit the Bromley Hub. I secured two grants—one from Plus Dane Housing and one from the National Lottery—to improve our children’s area at the Hub.
I have also given my own time to help renovate the space. While the previous setup was lovely in its time, it needed refreshing. The new area is looking fantastic and will hopefully provide the community with valuable resources for years to come. Please see the attached photo.
Changing Lives: Buddy and Befriending
I have been calling people who are isolated to offer support and companionship. These conversations may seem small, but they can make a real difference—providing comfort, connection, and reassurance to those who may otherwise feel alone.
Buglawton Residents’ Meeting
At the recent meeting, we discussed several important local issues, including parking concerns around the school, road safety and speeding, anti-social behaviour, and fly-tipping.
It was a valuable opportunity for residents to come together, share concerns, and explore ways to improve the area. We also received updates from Congleton In Bloom, highlighting the positive work being done to enhance our local environment.
Hillary Avenue Allotments AGM
I attended the AGM to see how I could support and to hear about the progress made over the past year. It was encouraging to learn more about the work being done and to explore ways to offer help where needed. The allotments continue to be an important space for community and wellbeing.
Chair of the Town Regeneration Group
I have taken on my first role as Chair of a working group at Congleton Council. Now that I have gained some experience within the council, I am beginning to explore new opportunities within my role. I am looking forward to contributing to improvements in our town.
Friendship Garden
I have organised and hosted planting events at the Friendship Garden. Behind the scenes, I have been preparing funding applications, sourcing equipment, recruiting volunteers, and gathering resources to support the project.
We had a fantastic turnout for our first major planting session. It was wonderful to see the garden thriving and to welcome such a diverse group of volunteers. We even had a sausage dog puppy helping by “digging” up the weeds!
Early Year Reference Group
I have taken part in the Early Years Reference Group looking at ways to spend early years funding effectively. As my heart lies with childminders as thats how I started my career. I always advocate for childminders and nurseries when looking at funding.
The Equality Party 