Labour-controlled South Tyneside Council proposed last week to shut three nursery schools as part of its School Organisation Plan, which will entail cutting 1,700 primary and 320 nursery places over the next five years. It said falling rolls meant the number of surplus places stood at 7 per cent and would rise to 18 per cent in the next five years if no action is taken.
The council's proposed major overhaul of primary and nursery education, which has been put out for consultation over the next two months, also involves several school closures and mergers.
Jane Cole, support headteacher on the Government-backed Maintained Nursery Schools Forum, said she feared many other councils with budget deficits will 'go for the easy option and target early years provision when they need to make cuts'. Ela Robinson, convenor of the North-East Nursery School Network, and a member of the forum's steering group, added that although falling rolls was 'the real issue', the closure of any nursery schools was 'shortsighted'.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
