‘No decision’ made by South Tyneside Council as STANLEY's Daycare future remains in doubt
Doubt remains over the future of STANLEY’s Daycare Centres across South Tyneside.
South Tyneside Council is set to consult staff over the future of STANLEY’s Daycare Centres following social media posts claiming that the nurseries are at “risk of closure”.
South Tyneside Council has stated that “no decisions” have been made regarding any potential changes to STANLEY’s and that discussions with staff and trade unions are underway.
The proposed childcare cuts were set out by the previous Labour-run administration in South Tyneside Council’s 2026/27 budget, which was agreed in February.
‘No decisions have been made’
At the time of writing, it is unconfirmed if daycare centres will close, how many jobs are at risk or how many childcare places will be lost as a result of the cuts.
A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council 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.”
Council leader condemns social media leaks
Following the news breaking on social media, Councillor Paul Mackings, Leader of South Tyneside Council, has condemned the leaks and stated that staff “should not have found out that way”.
He also reiterated to residents across South Tyneside that the cuts were approved by the previous administration and that the current council has to “comply” with the agreed budget.
Cllr Mackings commented: “I would like to clear one thing up, the cuts to the STANLEY’s Nursery services across South Tyneside were implemented in the last budget as passed by the outgoing Labour administration.
“Reform UK and my administration are not responsible for what was set in the budget of the previous administration, but we have to comply with the legally agreed financial budget of South Tyneside Council.
“We will be keeping everything under review in our budget which will be presented in February 2027 ahead of the new financial year.
“The leak on social media is something which is regrettable, and which I condemn, staff should not have found out that way.
“The council officers were in negotiation with the trade unions, ahead of the staff consultation.
“My thoughts will always first and foremost be with the children, parents and staff.
“Just to be absolutely clear, the cuts are the responsibility of the outgoing Labour Administration. Labour never put the people of South Tyneside first.”
There are 12 STANLEY’s Daycare Centres across South Tyneside which provide personal, social, emotional and physical development to children through early-years education.