PARENTS are outraged as another pre-school is forced to close due to “unsustainable” government policy.

Stepping Stones Pre-School in Portslade is closing at the end of the current academic year, which ex-trustee Laura Marrs blames on the national funding crisis.

Her children, aged four and seven, both attended the pre-school.

She said: “It seems to me that the Government doesn’t value children, but they are the future.

“Parents are sold this dream of being able to return to work and getting 30 hours free childcare, but it needs to be done in an ethical way.

“With running costs and the living wage going up, nurseries can only be run cheaply if staff are under-qualified and inexperienced.

“My eldest has autism, and this pre-school was fantastic for him due to the dedication and experience of the staff.

“Special needs or not, early years education is crucial to children’s social and emotional wellbeing. It prepares them for school and society.

“This won’t be the last to close, it is happening all over the country. The whole system will implode.”

Paul and Sarah Gorringe’s three-year-old son, Arli, has a genetic condition and currently goes to the pre-school.

Sarah said: “It has taken a year for Arli to settle in here and he has a strong relationship with staff, which will be severed when he moves.

“We know he is safe here, and his brother is at the school next door. We have found another nursery which seems great, but it is further away and we would rather he had more continuity.”

Maxine Barrett’s two-year-old son Arlo was on the waiting list for the pre-school since he was a baby after her five-year-old son Rafferty attended.

She said: “Rafferty couldn’t wait to come in every day. It is an outrage it is closing, it’s such a fantastic pre-school.”

Nearby Village Under 5s has also recently closed.

Peter Kyle, Labour MP for Hove, said: “I’m truly horrified at the prospect of losing two such valuable children’s centres.

“It simply cannot be allowed to happen.

“I’m working flat out with local councillors and will do whatever it takes to keep the services alive.

“Thanks to government policy and choices made by ministers, our city has lost a quarter of its GP practices, and now the same is happening to valuable youth services too.

“This brand of austerity is ripping the fabric of our communities and those who need it most are suffering worst.

“It must end now.”

Leon Davis, who is on the Stepping Stones committee, said he is unable to comment at this stage.