Local nurseries have revealed the immense pressure on them during the pandemic.

In a meeting with Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury, they highlighted problems such as access to coronavirus testing, staff morale and funding shortfalls from the government.

The MP is to raise these issues with the Children's Minister Vicky Ford.

Ms Cadbury said: ''It was great to be able to listen to local nurseries and head teachers of schools with nursery classes, about how the coronavirus has impacted them first-hand.

"They've been working tirelessly over the last year and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their hard work.

"It was very concerning to hear about the challenges they are facing; from the difficulty in getting staff tested for the coronavirus, uncertainty over furlough rules to worrying gaps in funding.

"It's clear that they have not had the support they need from the government, which has made their already tough job even harder. I will be raising this as a matter of urgency with the Government.''