Calls for government to stop nursery closure plan

A Labour group in an area where the party lost all bar one of its councillors in May has urged the education secretary to halt the closure of 10 publicly run nurseries that the former administration had been reviewing.

The plan to axe South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley's) by July next year was confirmed on 23 September by the now Reform-led cabinet.

South Shields Labour Party said it had asked Lucy Powell to look at whether the borough can meet its statutory childcare duties, but the council said there remained "sufficient good-quality" nursery places.

The BBC has asked the Department for Education how it has responded to the request to intervene.

A review of the nurseries was first agreed by the previous Labour-led administration.

It was continued by Reform UK, which now controls the council, who decided to shut the service.

The deadline for calling-in that decision, which has met with opposition from some parents and staff, passed on Friday.

Local Labour Party secretary Ed Malcolm claimed the council "must reconsider" the closures to ensure the borough is able to attract new early years funding recently announced by the health secretary.

He said: "The Reform leadership in London recently described the council's decision as courageous.

"There is nothing courageous in closing much loved nurseries in our borough. What is courageous is admitting Reform made a bad decision.

"Halt these closures, have an open dialogue with parents and staff, explore ways to save this service and await details of potential new funding from the health secretary and consider restructuring the service as a result."

South Tyneside Council's lead member for children's services Michelle Fascione said she understood the closure was a "deeply upsetting" decision for many people.

"Ultimately, the council also had to consider its responsibilities and the long-term financial sustainability of a service which currently requires an annual subsidy of around £1.1m.

"Our statutory duty is to ensure sufficient childcare is available for families.

"Stanley's account for only a small proportion of childcare provision across South Tyneside and our latest assessment found there are sufficient good-quality places across the borough."

She said the nurseries would remain open until 31 July and the council's focus was "firmly on supporting every child, family and member of staff through the transition".

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