Proposed nursery closures postponed

The proposed closure of three Little Owls nurseries in Leeds has been delayed until August

The proposed closure of three council-run nurseries in Leeds has been postponed after feedback from parents.

Little Owls nurseries in Chapel Allerton, Gipton North and Kentmere had been earmarked for closure this spring.

But Leeds City Council said the closures would not take place until August at the earliest.

Parents with children at the nurseries earlier told the BBC they were "shocked", "upset" and "distressed" at the plans.

Little Owls nurseries in Chapel Allerton, Gipton North and Kentmere had been earmarked for closure this spring

The proposals followed a review of all 24 Little Owls nursery sites across Leeds.

In letters to parents, the council explained it was due to significant financial challenges, the pandemic and the number of staff vacancies.

The council had said there were sufficient alternative places for the children affected by the potential closures.

However, a decision has been taken to delay the implementation of any proposed closures until August at the earliest.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “This would ensure that children who are due to transition to school in September 2024 are not adversely affected.

“We understand the concerns of parents, carers, staff and communities which could be affected by the proposals.

"These are proposals at this stage and we are continuing to engage with parents, carers and other stakeholders before any final decisions are made.”

'The fight isn't over'

Parent Liz Balaban, 37, whose child attends the Chapel Allerton nursery, earlier told the BBC the proposals were "distressing" for her family.

Following the council's decision to delay, she said: "We are of course very pleased as this buys us more time.

"It will be particularly beneficial for children who will be starting school in September as they won’t be forced to consider alternative childcare in the short term before the further upheaval of starting school.

"We know that the fight isn’t over. We are organised and determined.

"We hope that, after some real and open consultation, the council realise that this ‘proposal’ was a mistake."

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