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<p>Maintained nursery schools (MNS) 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 an MNS closes is a matter for local authorities.
However, the presumption against their closure includes a duty on local authorities
to assess whether the alternative provision available is of equal or greater quality.
No assessment has been made of the adequacy of local authority budgets to do this.</p>
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