The potential closure of three nursery schools in Lambeth has led to significant community concern and a petition aimed at keeping them operational. Lambeth Council is currently consulting on the future of Maytree, Effra, and Triangle Nursery Schools, all part of the Lambeth Nursery Schools Federation. The council has reported that these nurseries are facing financial difficulties due to a decline in pupil numbers, attributed to falling birth rates and families relocating following the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The situation is pressing, as Lambeth’s five maintained nursery schools have seen a combined decline of over 38 percent in student enrollment over the past five years. As of the end of the 2024/25 financial year, the nurseries recorded a collective deficit of £2.4 million. With forecasted deficits across 22 schools and maintained nurseries in the borough totaling £12.2 million, the council is faced with tough decisions regarding educational services.
Community Response to Proposed Closures
Councillor Ben Kind, the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Lambeth Council, emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality early years education. He stated, “Maintained nursery schools play a vital role, particularly for our most vulnerable children, and these are not decisions we take lightly.” Kind added that the council’s funding system, which is based on the number of pupils, has intensified financial pressures, making it necessary to consult on the future of these nurseries.
Despite the council’s rationale, local parent Tee Abedeen has initiated a petition on change.org, rallying community support to prevent the closures. As of February 23, the petition has attracted 666 signatures. Abedeen described the nurseries as “lifelines” for numerous families, arguing that their closure would lead to the loss of decades of invaluable teaching experience.
“The educational experiences provided at these schools often serve as a foundational scaffold for lifelong learning and success,” she stated. She criticized the council for not exploring alternative solutions, such as community-led initiatives and grants.
Consultation Period and Future Steps
The consultations regarding the proposed closures commenced on February 2, with parents and community members invited to share their opinions by March 23. The council has assured the public that no final decisions have been made and highlighted the importance of listening to input from parents, staff, and the wider community.
Cllr Kind mentioned that any future decisions would incorporate careful planning to support families, including the continuity of care and access to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support.
As the community grapples with these proposals, the outcome remains uncertain, but the voices of parents like Tee Abedeen are making it clear that the future of early years education in Lambeth is a pressing issue that cannot be overlooked.
