Dozens protest over 'devastating' cuts at Black Country nursery
Dozens of parents have signed a petition opposing plans to cut provision at a nursery - with one branding them 'devastating'.
Rowley Owls Nursery, which is run by neighbouring Rowley Hall Primary, has launched a consultation on proposals to change the care offered at the nursery.
This would include axing care for children up to two years old and getting rid of care outside of term time.
The move comes just weeks after the nursery was given a requires improvement Ofsted report - an improvement on the inadequate ranking the nursery received in February.
The school said the proposals are intended to 'improve standards' at the nursery.
GMB, the union for school support staff, held a protest at the nursery on Friday.
Garage owner Sarah Turbutt, aged 32, said she is worried about what the proposals will mean for her young son.
Her 14-month-old son Arley currently attends the nursery, while four-year-old Noah has just started at Rowley Hall Primary from the nursery.
Mrs Turbutt, who lives in Rowley Regis, said: "This is going to be an absolute nightmare and it's a really distressing time for all parents.
"We get a good service here, it's like a family and the new Ofsted report showed it's going in the right direction.
"It's devastating really."
GMB branch secretary Darren James said he was concerned for both parents and staff if the changes go ahead.
If parents have to send their children to other nurseries this will come at a financial cost and put an extra strain on their time, he claimed.
Mr James said: "It's very disappointing that they want to do this.
"It's actually disgraceful that they're trying to mess with children's education - and parents' livelihoods as well.
"Why are they doing this now after getting a better Ofsted report than they had back in February?"
Changes to staff contracts could also leave some out of pocket to the tune of £2,000 according to Mr James.
Nicola Stanley, headteacher at Rowley Hall Primary said: "Governors have put forward a proposal to change the way we run Rowley Owls Nursery in order to improve standards.
"At this stage it is just a proposal and we are conducting a consultation to find out opinions from all of our stakeholders.
"We encourage both staff and parents to have their say in this consultation.
"Our governors will take into account all views before coming to any decision about the future of the nursery."
