Gordon Brown visits Bilston

Apr 25 2008

PRIME Minister Gordon Brown visited a Black Country nursery as thousands of West Midland teachers were striking.

Accompanied by his wife Sarah, Mr Brown watched toddlers at Bilston Nursery School and Early Excellence Centre, near Wolverhampton, paint and play with modelling dough.

The aim of yesterday's visit was to highlight the Government’s Sure Start programme, which provides care and education for young children.

There are 1,500 such centres around the country, which the Government hopes to increase to 3,500 by 2010.

Mr Brown described the service as “critical”. He said: “It gives parents choices. It helps them make a decision about balancing family life.”

He said early childcare services also helped develop children educationally and therefore benefited the economy as a whole.

Mr Brown and local Labour MP Pat McFadden were shown around the nursery, which also boasts an extensive outdoor play area, by headteacher Emma Smith.

He chatted with a number of toddlers, although they appeared more interested in their crayons than talking to the Prime Minister.

Sure Start aims to improve the lives of children, parents and communities by providing childcare, health and emotional development for youngsters.

During the visit Mr Brown described the teachers' strike as “regrettable and unjustifiable”.

He said: “The teachers’ review body is an independent review body.

“They have made recommendations for three-year pay arrangements for teachers.

“It is regrettable and unjustifiable that teachers are now striking when this independent body is making its recommendations.

“I hope people will see that there is no need for future action,” the Prime Minister said.