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MP visits Pumpkin Patch nursery school in Steyning

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 06:00

By Philip Keeler @keeler_philip

Andrew Griffith MP with Anita O’Hara (centre), owner of Pumpkin Patch Nurseries, and Area Manager Denise Franklin.

The MP for Arundel and South Downs has seen for himself the impact that new regulations are having on a nursery in Steyning.

Andrew Griffith visited staff at the Pumpkin Patch nursery, which he says delivers high-quality early years education; he also listened to their concerns about how new policies are impacting the sector.

Since April, nurseries have been prohibited from charging for consumables, which include food and nappies, something they could previously do, and which helped them balance their overall running costs.

Andrew Griffith said: “It was a pleasure to meet Anita O’Hara and her highly qualified team, to see just why the Pumpkin Patch nurseries are such a popular choice for young families. It is a lovely setting and full of happy children and staff.

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