A Reform-led council has sparked anger from parents after deciding to close 10 nurseries in the area.
South Tyneside Council confirmed this week that it will close the publicly-run South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley’s) nurseries.
The BBC reports that, when the decision was made during a cabinet meeting at South Shields Town Hall, there were cries of “shame” from the public gallery where nursery workers and parents had gathered.
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One parent told the BBC they were “gutted” by the closure of the nurseries.
“It’s really hard for working parents to get back to work and this just makes it even harder – it’s just devastating,” she said.
Following a consultation launched by the council into local childcare services, it was recommended that the Stanley’s close by July 2027.
A total of 116 people are employed across the 10 day care centres, with staff reductions set to be made from December this year.
A review of the nurseries had been first agreed by the council when it was under Labour control. After Reform won three-quarters of the seats on the local authority at May’s elections, the party said it would continue with the review.
South Tyneside Council’s lead member for children’s services, Michelle Fascione, said it had been a “horrendous” situation for decision-makers involved, but that the closures were the best option.
“The council unfortunately doesn’t have a statutory obligation to provide these nurseries and it’s been costing us £1.1m a year to subsidise and it’s not viable for the future,” she told the BBC.
Fascione added there was “just no way” the council could have kept the nurseries open.