The future of three nursery schools in Lambeth, London, is uncertain as local authorities consider their closure due to financial pressures stemming from declining birth rates. Lambeth Council’s proposal affects Maytree, Effra, and Triangle Nursery Schools, all part of the Lambeth Nursery Schools Federation. The council’s consultation commenced on February 2, 2025, and parents have until March 23, 2025, to provide feedback on the plans.
The financial situation for these nurseries is dire, with a collective deficit of £2.4 million reported at the end of the 2024/25 financial year. This shortfall is part of a larger issue, as Lambeth Council indicates that 22 schools and maintained nurseries across the borough are forecasting deficits totaling £12.2 million. The council attributes these challenges to a significant drop in pupil numbers, which have decreased by over 38 percent in the last five years, largely due to declining birth rates and families relocating after the pandemic.
Cllr Ben Kind, the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, stated, “Our priority is to make sure children across Lambeth continue to access high-quality early years education, now and in the future.” He emphasized the crucial role that maintained nursery schools play, especially for vulnerable children, and noted that the decision to consult on potential closures was not taken lightly. The council aims to listen to the views of parents and the community throughout this process.
Local parent Tee Abedeen has taken action by launching a petition on change.org to oppose the consultation. As of the latest update, the petition has collected 666 signatures as supporters rally to keep the nurseries open. Abedeen described the nurseries as “lifelines” for many families, arguing that their closure would result in the loss of invaluable teaching experience.
“If these closures proceed, we would not just lose buildings; we would lose decades of invaluable teaching experience that cannot be found anywhere else,” Abedeen stated. She highlighted the unique educational environment these nurseries provide, which cannot be replicated by private settings. The dedicated staff at these schools create tailored learning experiences that respect the individual needs of each child, she added.
The council acknowledges that many schools in the borough are facing similar financial difficulties due to a combination of falling enrolments and rising operational costs. Cllr Kind reiterated that no final decisions have been made regarding the nurseries and that the consultations are intended to gather input from the community before any proposals are finalized. Future decisions will include considerations for continuity of care, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, and access to specialist early years support.
As the consultation period continues, parents and community members are encouraged to engage with the council’s plans through a dedicated page on the Love Lambeth website. The outcome of this consultation could have significant implications for early years education in Lambeth, especially for those families relying on these nurseries for essential support and education.
