Nurseries say South Tyneside Council has slashed funding for the free childcare entitlement from more than £500 to just £307 per child. But the council insists there have been no cuts and blames the shortfall on an unexpected surge in pupil numbers. A council spokesman said cash to fund the 12.5 hours of free childcare for three- and four-year-olds each week was calculated at the start of the year. Nurseries were asked to predict pupil...