County Council U-Turn as nursery proposals dropped

Plans affecting four specialist nurseries in Leicestershire will not go ahead following significant feedback from a recent consultation.

The Reform UK-led cabinet announced last month it wanted to fund more places for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream nurseries in a bid to provide all families with options nearer their homes and to save money.

The proposals were meant with an angry reaction from locals, parents and staff.

Leicestershire County Council has now said it wishes to thank parents, carers, professionals and residents for sharing their views over the last six weeks and has announced the plans will no longer go ahead.

The survey, which closed on Sunday (22nd February), received over 2,500 responses, mainly expressing concerns, as well as a 2,000-signature petition.

Council leader, Dan Harrison said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to tell us how you felt. Let me be clear – we heard the outpouring of concern loud and clear. I can confirm that following the conclusion of the consultation, the Director of Children and Family Services, following discussion with the Cabinet Lead Member, has decided not to proceed with the proposals so Cabinet will no longer be considering them at its next meeting in March"

“It’s hard not to be moved by the powerful feedback received. The views of the Full Council were also made clear last week, that a very clear majority of elected members are against these proposals.

“These young children desperately need our support. Our intention was not to cause worry but the first-hand accounts I’ve heard and read have left me in no doubt that halting plans is the right thing to do.

“We’ve listened to the responses and acted accordingly and that’s the power of effective consultation.”

The original proposals were reportedly aimed to create more specialist provision closer to home, reduce long journeys for young children and increase funding for specialist places within mainstream nurseries.

Under the plans, places at four specialist nurseries would no longer have been commissioned. Including at Oasis Retreat in Asfordby Road, Melton.

Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Supporting children and families is the most important thing we do.

“After the wealth of emotive and impactful responses we’ve received, there’s no way we can consider this as an option.

“I completely understand the concerns raised and I’m very grateful to people for taking the time to feed back.”