We’re calling on South Tyneside Council to ‘exhaust every alternative’ before cutting Stanley’s
The Green Party has called on South Tyneside Council to reconsider cost-saving proposals at Stanley’s.
South Tyneside’s Green Party is urging South Tyneside Council to “exhaust every possible alternative” before making cuts to the South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley’s).
Last week, South Tyneside Council held meetings with Stanley’s staff to outline what the cuts may entail after the proposed plans were leaked on social media.
During the meetings, staff were told that there is a possibility that every Stanley’s centre could close, with a decision expected around the end of July following the conclusion of a staff consultation.
‘Childcare is not a luxury’
The Green Party says it understands that South Tyneside Council’s severe financial pressures are the result of years of central government underfunding but has urged the local authority to explore alternative measures.
A spokesperson for South Tyneside Green Party said: "Families across South Tyneside rely on affordable, accessible childcare.
“The proposed closure of these nurseries would remove a valued service that supports children, parents and staff alike.
"We recognise the difficult financial position facing the council, but that cannot mean accepting the loss of essential services without exhausting every possible alternative first.
"Childcare is not a luxury. It enables parents to work, supports children's development and helps families through the pressures of the cost of living crisis.
“Decisions of this scale should only be taken when all other options have been properly explored."
Calls for political parties to work together
The Green Party has also called on South Tyneside’s Reform UK councillors to set out alternative proposals and called for all parties to work together to protect childcare provisions.
The Green’s spokesperson added: "Reform councillors now have the opportunity to show residents what they would do differently.
“If they believe these closures can be avoided, they should set out clearly how they would achieve that and what alternatives they would support.
"We want to see councillors of all parties working together with parents, staff and residents to find solutions that protect childcare provision wherever possible."
Council leader moves to reassure residents
In a social media post on Saturday, June 13, Cllr Paul Mackings, Leader of South Tyneside Council, told residents that the local authority is working to ensure there will be access to high-quality childcare in the borough.
He commented: “I want to reassure you that the Council is currently reviewing how we deliver these services, with the clear aim of building a stronger, more joined-up system that ensures families receive the right support at the right time.
“At this stage, discussions are ongoing with staff and trade unions, and no decisions have been made.
“It would not be appropriate to comment on specific service models or potential changes until that process has concluded.
“I understand there has been some speculation, and we appreciate that this may be concerning for families and staff. However, we would ask people not to draw conclusions at this point, as the review is still in progress.
“Our priority remains clear: to ensure that children and families in South Tyneside can continue to access high-quality support within their local communities.
“As part of this, we are carefully considering how services can be delivered in the most effective, accessible and sustainable way for the future.”