The government is currently pushing through changes to the way childcare providers are funded so they all receive an equal share of funding, but there are fears this could cause financial problems for council-run nurseries because they are led by qualified teachers on higher levels of pay.
Last week, CYP Now reported that senior early years figures had been told by the DfE that a consultation on how nursery schools will be funded would be held, but the DfE declined to comment.
But following concerns raised by MPs that nursery schools could close as a result of government funding proposals, the DfE has confirmed that a consultation on the future of maintained nursery schools in England will take place.
"We plan to consult the sector on the future of maintained nurseries," a spokeswoman said.
There are around 400 nursery schools across England. According to Ofsted, 60 per cent of these are rated as "outstanding", compared with 17 per cent of nurseries and 13 per cent of childminders.
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