Nursery World - Cost cuts threaten council nurseries

The future of maintained nursery school provision in Lancaster is hanging in the balance as the council proposes a 'more integrated approach' to childcare. Lancaster's two maintained nursery schools - Greaves Park and Willow - are threatened by council cost-cutting measures, following a drop in the birth rate. One of the council's proposals, outlined in the public consultation which closes on 23 August, is to replace the two nursery schools with a new nursery at the Willow site and develop a smaller nursery class at a nearby primary school.

Lancaster's two maintained nursery schools - Greaves Park and Willow - are threatened by council cost-cutting measures, following a drop in the birth rate. One of the council's proposals, outlined in the public consultation which closes on 23 August, is to replace the two nursery schools with a new nursery at the Willow site and develop a smaller nursery class at a nearby primary school.

The council's other option, to maintain the status quo, is strongly supported by locals who have been out on the streets campaigning to save Greaves Park.

Ian Warburton, a member of the early years and childcare team within Lancashire County Council's education and cultural services directorate, said a decision was still to be made.

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