Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith met with Rachael Ogden, co-manager of Shimmering Stars Nursery, Glusburn, on Friday, September 12, to discuss the challenges faced by independent nurseries. During the meeting, Ms Ogden expressed her concerns about the increasing trend of schools opening their own nursery provision. After the meeting, Sir Julian said: "Shimmering Stars is a well-regarded nursery that plays a vital role in our local community. "It is essential that we protect the diversity of early years provision, ensuring that both maintained and independent settings can thrive." Ms Ogden also pointed out the significant funding differences, highlighting that maintained nurseries are allocated higher levels of funding.