Governors "devastated" by cuts to specialist nurseries

Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School Governors are urging members of the public to respond to a public consultation over plans to close down their specialist nursery for under 5s.

Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School is one of four nurseries for children with SEND that will close as part of plans from Leicestershire County Council. 

In a statement, the Govenors said: 

"We are devastated and deeply concerned by proposals that would change how pre-school children with special educational needs are supported in Leicestershire, ultimately leading to the closure of our specialist SEND nursery schools.

These schools exist because some of the youngest and most vulnerable children cannot thrive in mainstream early-years settings, even with significant adaptations. They need highly specialised environments, expert staff, and carefully designed support — and that is exactly what specialist SEND nurseries provide.

The quality and impact of this provision are recognised by Ofsted and consistently affirmed by parents and professionals. Early specialist intervention makes a profound difference to children’s development, well-being, and long-term outcomes.“ 

👉 Respond to the local authority’s formal consultation:

https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/current-engagement/plans-to-provide-more-send-nursery-places-in-local-communities

A petition which was originally set up last week has now been taken down. 

Governor Emma Beddard told Fosse 107: "We are ultimately trying to save these provisions for our vulnerable children, and have been advised that the local authority will be looking at the consultation feedback. Hence the need to spread the word and try to get as many members of the public as possible to complete the consultation feedback and show how essential these specialist SEND nursery schools are to everyone." 

It comes as Leicestershire County Council revelaed the the proposals will not save the local authority any money. 

The Reform-led council is currently consulting on how to save money in the next Budget. 

When Fosse 107 asked whether or not the SEND proposals formed part of a savings plan, a spokeserson said:

"This proposal is expected to be cost neutral following any initial implementation costs as there will be additional financial support being provided to support children with SEND in mainstream provisions. The cost of supporting existing specialist nurseries is proposed to fund the higher rate of £10/hr being proposed which is in line with funding offered by other neighbouring authorities. There may, however, be longer-term opportunities for savings due to the exploration of repurposing some existing specialist nursery buildings for use of statutory school aged children with SEND."

The Chief Executive of the Menphys Charity has also issued a statement saying the nurseries changed his life when they cared for his son. 

The county council insist that the key driver for the proposals is to make nursery provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities, more inclusive and more accessible.  

The public consultation ends on 22nd February.