Stoke-On-Trent Nursery Closure Plans Put on Hold

Plans to close nurseries in eight children’s centres have been put on hold so alternative arrangements can be discussed with parents.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council says it cannot afford to run the service and has invited private companies to take over.

The children’s centres were set up in 2004 as part of a Government scheme to support families in deprived areas by providing everything for under-fives in one place. But the city council’s cabinet decided the £1.2 million annual subsidy needed to operate the nurseries could be better spent elsewhere.

Now a decision on the plans has been delayed – giving parents more time to have their say on the future of the nurseries.

Councillor Ian McLaughlan, pictured, spokesman for children and young people’s services, said: “A paper was due to be considered in December in relation to the provision of childcare in children’s centres, but it has been deferred.

“This will extend the discussion period, particularly with parents and carers, through parent boards at children’s centres.

“The longer time-span will also allow further consideration of key points raised by voluntary, independent and private providers who have expressed an interest in running the nurseries. These discussions have begun and will continue throughout spring and any changes will not be made until this process has been concluded.”

In Bucknall parents have formed a business group and are hoping to take over the nursery because they fear privatisation will lead to a drop in standards, creating a childcare system centred on profit.

Kingsland Community Nursery Action Group is meeting on a fortnightly basis to come up with a viable community-based alternative.

The parents have already gathered a petition with more than 1,000 signatures protesting against the proposals.

Mother-of-two Marianne Williams, from Beverley Drive, Bentilee, is the elected chairman of the group.

She said: “Consultation should be extended to all parents who have children at these nurseries. I know a lot of parents don’t actually know the parent board groups exist. I, and all the other parents, are keen to know who has shown an interest in looking after our children. I think we deserve that because it will be our money which pays for their wages.”

Mrs Williams said the council’s deadline for submitting a business plan for any of the nurseries was on Thursday. But she has been informed her action group will still have a shot if the current bidders are not suitable.

Deborah Buxton, whose three-year-old son Archie goes to the Kingsland Centre, said: “As long as the nursery is run by people who can run it well, I would like to see a community-based solution.

“The problem with a private company taking over is that it becomes a business, rather than a place where the children are first.”

The Kingsland action group’s next meeting will take place at Marychurch Community Centre, Werrington Road, Bucknall on Wednesday, February 6, at 7pm.

The eight centres which would be affected by the plans are; Crescent Children’s Centre, Meir; Stoke-on-Trent North Children’s Centre, Chell Heath; Sure Start Blurton Children’s Centre, Blurton; Sure Start Kingsland Children’s Centre, Bucknall; The Hope Children’s Centre, Hanley; The Thomas Boughey Children’s Centre, Shelton; Treehouse Children’s Centre, Bentilee and Westfield Children’s Centre, Longton.