Full Breakdown
South Tyneside Council Moves to Shut Ten Public Nurseries
By Drooid · · How we work
Council Decision to Close Ten Nurseries
South Tyneside Council announced that it will close the ten publicly-run Stanley’s nurseries that comprise the South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years. The decision was taken by councillors during a cabinet meeting at South Shields Town Hall, where members of the public gallery—including nursery staff and parents—shouted “shame.”
Background and Consultation
Earlier in the year the council launched a consultation on local childcare provision. The review, first initiated under Labour control, recommended that the Stanley’s sites be closed and that staff reductions begin in late 2026. After Reform secured three-quarters of the council seats in the May elections, the new administration confirmed it would proceed with the review’s recommendation, planning to complete the closures later in 2027.
Data, Staffing and Financial Impact
South Tyneside Council reported that the ten centres employ a total of 116 staff members. The £1.1 million annual subsidy figure was provided by Council officials. Parents and nursery workers have warned that the closures will make it harder for working families to return to employment, especially where alternative childcare options are limited.
Verbatim Quote
“It's really hard for working parents to get back to work and this just makes it even harder - it's just devastating,” — Sophie Thompson