‘Step in the right direction’ - South Tyneside Council extends Stanley’s nursery closure consultation
UNISON has welcomed South Tyneside Council’s decision to extend the consultation period over proposed nursery cuts.
Trade union officials have branded South Tyneside Council’s decision to extend its consultation over proposed cuts to Stanley’s nurseries as “a step in the right direction”.
The local authority placed staff at the South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley’s) into a consultation in June after they proposed to shut down the childcare provision by July 31, 2027.
It is understood that the staff consultation was due to end on Sunday, July 26, but South Tyneside Council has now made the decision to extend it until Friday, August 21.
‘No final decision has been made’
The local authority has stated that the extension follows “feedback and further questions” that they’ve received during the consultation process.
South Tyneside Council has also stated that “no final decision” has been made and that “all submissions” will be considered before a report is prepared for the Cabinet in the autumn.
A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: “We are extending the consultation period relating to proposals for the STANLEY service until Friday 21 August 2026.
“This follows feedback and further questions received during the consultation process.
“We have listened to staff and recognised Trade Unions, and want to make sure those questions are fully considered and responded to, with time for staff and Trade Unions to review the information provided.
“No final decision has been made. The extension is intended to ensure the consultation remains meaningful, fair and thorough, and staff and Trade Unions can continue to submit comments, questions and alternative proposals before the process concludes.
“Following the close of consultation, all submissions will be considered before a report is prepared for Cabinet to consider in the autumn.
“We recognise this is an unsettling time for colleagues affected by the proposals, and we are grateful for the professionalism and commitment they continue to show to children and families while this process is ongoing.
“Our focus remains on ensuring children and families can continue to access the support they need in their local communities, while considering how services can be delivered in the most effective, accessible and sustainable way.”
‘A step in the right direction’
Jan Green, UNISON Branch Secretary for the South Tyneside Local Government branch, has welcomed the local authority’s decision to extend the consultation period.
She commented: “The staff were quite upset and alarmed about it but on reflection, it is a good thing because it shows that the Council are taking the time to consider proposals that have been put forward to them.
“I think this is down to the parents who are quite rightly making a lot of noise about this so it shows that South Tyneside Council are taking things seriously with a call to review.
“I have reassured UNISON members that we think this is a good thing.
“I feel as if this is a step in the right direction.
“I think they [South Tyneside Council] are seeing all the opposition to it and they are now taking it very seriously to see if something can be done.”
The proposed cuts to Stanley’s have been heavily opposed by parents, staff, trade unions, local businesses and the wider community.