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<p>Maintained nursery schools (MNSs) make a valuable contribution to improving the
lives of some of our most disadvantaged children. There is a presumption against their
closure. This does not mean that they can never close, but if they do, any replacement
provision must be of equal quality, preserve expertise and be more accessible and
convenient for parents.</p><p>Whether or not a MNS closes is a matter for local authorities,
but the presumption against their closure includes a duty on local authorities to
assess whether the alternative provision available is of equal or greater quality.
Closure arrangements, such as the transfer of children and staff, are for local authorities
to manage and the Department for Education is not involved in them.</p>
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