Green Party expresses ‘deep disappointment’ after Cabinet moves to close Stanley's nurseries amid concerns
The decision to close all 10 council-run Stanley’s nurseries in South Tyneside has been met with deep disappointment from Cllr Rachael Taylor, who says significant questions around SEND provision, children’s services and financial implications remain unanswered.
South Shields Green Party expresses ‘deep disappointment’ after South Tyneside Cabinet votes to close all Stanley’s nurseries.
Cllr Rachael Taylor, Green Group Leader and Education & Skills Committee member, has expressed deep disappointment following today’s Cabinet decision to proceed with the proposed closure of all 10 council-run Stanley’s nurseries.
South Tyneside’s Stanley’s settings are part of the borough’s publicly delivered early years provision, with settings currently listed by Ofsted across South Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn, Boldon and surrounding communities.
The decision was taken by South Tyneside Council’s entirely Reform Party Cabinet on Wednesday, September 23, at a meeting where councillors’ questions had been submitted in advance and prepared answers were provided.
The decision follows months of concern from parents, nursery staff, trade unions, campaigners and councillors about the impact closure could have on children and families across South Tyneside.
At the Education & Skills Committee’s special meeting held the night before, councillors heard directly about the importance of the provision, including its role for children with SEND, families who rely on accessible local childcare and parents who have children attending adjoining schools.
However, the Green Party says a number of important questions remained insufficiently answered, particularly around SEND provision, children’s services, the ability of alternative providers to meet demand and the detailed financial implications.
Cllr Taylor said: “I am deeply disappointed that Cabinet has chosen to proceed when significant questions raised by councillors still needed proper answers.
“This is not simply about buildings or balance sheets. It is about children, families and the people who provide their care every day.
“Parents have told us very clearly what STANLEY’s means to them. We heard about children with additional needs who thrive in these settings, families who rely on having childcare close to school, and parents already struggling with the cost of living who could face longer journeys and potentially higher childcare costs.
“I particularly want to recognise the parents who shared deeply personal experiences with us. It takes courage to put those experiences forward, especially when you are talking about your children.
“I also want to put on record my thanks to UNISON and GMB, the campaigners, nursery staff and everyone who has worked tirelessly to defend these services.
“Financial pressure should make us more rigorous about finding sustainable solutions.”
“I will not pretend that the council’s financial position is easy. It isn't. But financial pressure should make us more rigorous about finding sustainable solutions, not less rigorous about testing whether closure is the right answer.
“The questions raised around SEND, children's services, finance and the practical capacity of alternative provision deserved proper answers before such a significant decision was made.
“Today's decision does not end the conversation. I will continue to scrutinise the implementation of this decision, the impact on children and families, the future of the buildings and workforce, and whether the promised alternative provision can actually meet children's needs.
“Families deserve transparency, proper information and a voice throughout what happens next.”