Almost £100k to be spent on nursery security

McMillan Nursery School in Hull will get high-level security fencing, improved CCTV and lighting

Enhanced security measures to protect a nursery in Hull from break-in attempts are set to be in place this month.

Works worth around £96,145 are to take place at McMillan Nursery School, in Orchard Park’s 11th Avenue, to prevent security breaches, according to a Hull City Council decision record.

The improvements will include high-level security fencing, improved CCTV and lighting on the site.

Children and Learning Portfolio Holder councillor Linda Tock said security improvements at the nursery were essential following previous break-ins and damage.

Concerns were raised in 2022 over the future of the nursery, which is maintained by the council, after changes in national funding made in 2012 caused financial problems.

Orchard Park councillor Deborah Matthews said it would be catastrophic for local children if the nursery was forced to close.

'Essential'

There were proposals to transfer it to an academy trust but they did not go ahead and, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the nursery is the last council-maintained one in Hull.

It had around 160 children aged between two and five on its books as of 2022 and was rated good by Ofsted following an inspection in October.

Ms Tock said she supported the awarding of the contract to CMM Contractors Ltd for the works.

The portfolio holder said: “Following the number of break-ins and damage to the nursery it is essential that security levels are increased.”

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