Council drops plans to close SEND nurseries

Plans to stop using four specialist nurseries for pre school children in Leicestershire have been dropped following a consultation.

Leicestershire County Council said it received “significant” feedback from parents, carers, professionals and residents. 

The survey, which closed on Sunday (22 February), received over 2,500 responses, mainly expressing concerns, as well as a 2,000-signature petition against plans to stop using Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School and Wigston Menphys Nursery School as well as Lift Beacon in Loughborough and Oasis Retreat in Melton Mowbray. 

Council leader, Dan Harrison, said he had listened carefully to people’s views.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to tell us how you felt. Let me be clear – we heard the outpouring of concern loud and clear. I can confirm that following the conclusion of the consultation, the Director of Children and Family Services, following discussion with the Cabinet Lead Member, has decided not to proceed with the proposals so Cabinet will no longer be considering them at its next meeting in March.

“It’s hard not to be moved by the powerful feedback received. The views of the Full Council were also made clear last week, that a very clear majority of elected members are against these proposals.

“These young children desperately need our support. Our intention was not to cause worry but the first-hand accounts I’ve heard and read have left me in no doubt that halting plans is the right thing to do.

“We’ve listened to the responses and acted accordingly and that’s the power of effective consultation.”

Person:Council leader, Dan Harrison

Under the plans, places at the four specialist nurseries would no longer have been commissioned.

“Supporting children and families is the most important thing we do.

“After the wealth of emotive and impactful responses we’ve received, there’s no way we can consider this as an option.

“I completely understand the concerns raised and I’m very grateful to people for taking the time to feed back.”

Person:Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families