A trade union is campaigning to prevent Barnsley Council from transferring council-run nurseries to private operators.

The council is currently seeking feedback from private providers which could take on six council-run settings. The settings provide childcare for 204 children as part of the town’s Family Hubs.

Councillor Robert Frost, Cabinet spokesperson for core services, said the council’s existing childcare offer was limited to 15 hours of childcare entitlement in term time only for children aged two and over.  

“Children and families in Barnsley deserve to have access to high-quality childcare which meets the changing needs of family life,” he said.  “We’re currently seeking feedback from potential alternative providers that could offer high-quality childcare at six sites across Barnsley. This could mean a better offer that meets families’ changing needs, such as childcare broader than term time only, access to at least 30 hours of childcare entitlement and access for children aged nine months upwards.”

However, GMB Union is campaigning to stop the proposal, which it calls “outrageous”. Vicky Austin, GMB organiser, said: “These nurseries provide exceptional care and support to some of the most vulnerable children in the most deprived areas of Barnsley. It is unacceptable that councillors are considering selling off these services to a private operator.”

Councillors will vote on the proposal on Thursday, 27 February.