South Tyneside Labour claims it ‘did not propose’ closing any Stanley’s nursery

South Tyneside’s Labour Party has hit back at claims that it had agreed on proposals to consider closing South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley’s) nursery sites across the borough.

Labour states that the 2026/27 Budget, which was agreed by South Tyneside Council, did not propose closing any Stanley’s daycare centres but it did recommend a review of the service, consider new models of working and enhance the service through a long consultation process with staff and parents.

It comes as Cllr Paul Mackings, leader of the South Tyneside Council, has stated that the proposed cuts to Stanley’s were made by the previous Labour administration and that “no decisions” have been made.

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.

Staff were told during the meetings that there is a possibility that all the 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.

‘Rushed and limited consultation’

A South Tyneside Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Reform-led Council has chosen to conduct the minimum amount of consultation legally permitted with parents and have already advised staff that all Stanley centres are at risk of closing by July 2027.

“This rushed and limited consultation is giving the impression that the Council has already decided to close the Stanleys.

“Reform is not conducting a review about strengthening and protecting the Stanleys but are rushing through proposals to close them.

“They clearly do not believe the Council should provide this non-statutory service and the fact they have rushed into the shortest legally allowed consultation possible, advising hard working staff their jobs will go as early as July 2027 is extreme, disappointing and concerning.”

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Petition approaches 4,000 signatures

A petition to save Stanley’s from closure has been backed by more than 3,800 people at the time of writing.

It was launched last week 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.