Labour politician Jas Athwal is advocating for tighter safety regulations in private nurseries across the UK.

Athwal, the leader of Redbridge Council, is urging landlords to adhere to stricter rules, ensuring that nursery facilities are safer for children. His calls come amid concerns that current safety measures in nurseries may not be stringent enough, potentially putting children at risk. He argues that clear accountability should be enforced on landlords to ensure that the properties rented for nurseries are up to standard.

Athwal’s comments highlight the need for transparency and proper regulation within the childcare sector. Nurseries are often situated in rented properties, and without clear guidelines, there’s a danger that some may not meet the necessary health and safety standards. Athwal believes that by tightening regulations, parents can have more confidence in the environments where their children spend significant time. This also offers protection for nursery operators who may face legal or operational issues due to inadequate facilities.

The call for enhanced rules also aims to prevent future incidents, following concerns raised by parents and nursery staff. Athwal insists that while the majority of nurseries are run to high standards, ensuring that every single one follows strict safety protocols is essential for maintaining trust between parents, operators, and landlords.

“It’s time landlords take responsibility for the safety of the properties they rent out to nurseries—children’s lives depend on it.”

Jas Athwal’s call for stricter safety regulations in nurseries addresses a crucial gap in childcare oversight. By pushing for landlords to be held accountable, he highlights the importance of creating safe, regulated environments for young children. His proposals would not only boost parental trust but also safeguard the future of nursery businesses, ensuring all facilities meet the highest standards.