Nursery World - Council shuts two city nursery schools

Two nursery schools in Edinburgh are to close at the end of the school year following council cost-cutting.

Edinburgh City Council has decided to close High School Yards and Princess Elizabeth Nurseries, claiming that provision in the area outweighs demand. The closure of the settings will save the council £200,000 a year and the income from the sale of the nursery school buildings could amount to £250,000, money which the council says will be reinvested in the Children and Families estate.

City education leader councillor Marilyne MacLaren said, 'We are completely committed to top quality nursery provision, but unfortunately there is currently over-provision of nursery places in the central area and it is a luxury we just can't afford.'

Of 43 children who attend the nursery schools, 32 are due to start school in August, and the others are to be offered places at nearby St Leonard's Nursery School, Royal Mile Primary School nursery class, Cameron House Nursery School and Prestonfield Primary School nursery class. All 11 members of staff are being redeployed across the council's other settings.

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