Doubts remain over Stanley’s future as thousands back calls to save the childcare provision
Doubts over the future of Stanley’s remain days after the news of cuts were leaked on social media.
Fears still remain that all 12 South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley’s) daycare centres could close.
South Tyneside Council held meetings with Stanley’s staff at the Customs House, on Mill Dam, on Thursday, June 11, to outline what the cuts may entail.
The Shields Gazette understands that staff were told during the meetings that there is a possibility that all 12 Stanley’s centres across South Tyneside could close.
It is also understood that a staff consultation period is due to last until around the end of July, when a decision is expected to be confirmed.
‘This process is ongoing’
South Tyneside Council has reiterated on Friday, June 12, that “no decisions” have been made and the local authority has asked for people “not to draw conclusions”.
A Council spokesperson said: “We are reviewing how we support children and families, with a focus on building a stronger, more joined-up system that helps families get the right support at the right time.
“This work forms part of the Council’s 2026/27 budget, agreed in February, which includes delivering a range of efficiencies, service improvements and income generation across all services.
“Discussions with staff and trade unions are underway, and no decisions have been made at this stage.
“It would not be appropriate to comment on specific service models or potential changes while this process is ongoing.
“We understand there has been external speculation and that this may be unsettling. However, we would ask people not to draw conclusions at this stage.
“Our focus is on ensuring children and families can continue to access the support they need in their local communities, including looking at how services can be delivered in the most effective and accessible way.”
The local authority has also moved to reassure parents that no immediate changes would affect childcare arrangements for the start of the 2026/27 academic year.
The Council has a legal duty to ensure that there are sufficient childcare places available for families locally, whether provided directly or through other providers.
Thousands back petition to save Stanley’s
After news of the possible cuts leaked on social media on Monday, June 8, a petition was launched by Joanna Taylor, 39, to call on South Tyneside Council to reconsider the proposals.
The Hebburn mum-of-one has branded Stanley’s as a “lifeline” for some parents and urged the local authority to listen to its constituents before making any final decisions.
She said: “From a parents point of view, we don’t know where we stand, what is going to happen and where our children are going to go.
“Then you start thinking about the staff because it isn’t just childcare, it is a social hub for families and a lifeline for some.
“I’m urging South Tyneside Council to be open with its constituents and the decision makers need to listen because more than 2,000 people have signed a petition saying that we don’t want this to go ahead.”
At the time of writing, almost 2,700 people have backed the petition, which you can view by visiting: https://www.change.org/p/save-our-stanley-s.