Harborough MP ‘Alarmed’ At Nursery Closure Plan

Harborough MP  has joined calls to save specialist nurseries for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as a petition calling for the facilities to remain open attracts more than 2,000 signatures.

Neil O’Brien recently visited Menphys Nursery School in Wigston, one of four specialist SEND nurseries that Leicestershire County Council is considering closing.

He said he has received numerous emails from parents who are extremely concerned about the impact on their children if the nurseries close and fears youngsters could be left with nowhere to go.

The council’s proposals suggest commissioning SEND provision within mainstream nurseries, but many parents fear children could be placed in settings not properly equipped to meet their needs.

Neil has written to the Leader of Leicestershire County Council to raise his concerns and is urging residents to respond to a council consultation, which remains open until 22 February:

Neil during the visit to Menphys Nursery School in Wigston

Robert Martin, chief executive of charity Menphys, which runs two of the under-threat nurseries, spoke to HFM:

Cllr Charles Pugsley, Leicestershire County Council’s lead member for children and families, said the authority is encouraging people to take part in the consultation.

He said the proposals aim to support families “in their local communities,” adding that some currently have to “travel miles” to access specialist nurseries.

Cllr Pugsley said evidence shows children “thrive and have better chances of meeting their full potential when remaining in their communities,” and argued there are not enough specialist nursery places to meet demand.

He added the council wants to expand specialist training and provision closer to home, while also giving children with SEND greater access to year-round, funded nursery places.