County Council Abandons Plans to Close SEND Nurseries
Written by HFM News on 27th February 2026
Leicestershire County Council has abandoned plans to close nurseries for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) following widespread opposition.
The proposal had suggested moving SEND provision into mainstream nurseries, but parents raised concerns that their children would not receive the support they need.
More than 2,000 people signed a petition against the plan, and council leader Dan Harrison says the authority has decided to drop the idea after listening to community feedback.
The consultation, which ran for six weeks received over 2,500 responses from parents, carers, professionals, and residents, with the majority expressing concern.
Laura Hill from Fleckney, whose three-year-old autistic daughter Elodie attends Wigston Menphys Nursery School, told HFM the move would be damaging for children who rely on specialist support.
County MPs including Harborough MP Neil O’Brien had spoken out against the closure plan, which would have affected nurseries in Wigston, Loughborough, Hinckley and Melton Mowbray.
Council leader Dan Harrison said: “We heard the outpouring of concern loud and clear. Following the consultation, the Director of Children and Family Services, in discussion with the Cabinet Lead Member, has decided not to proceed with the proposals.
“The Cabinet will no longer be considering them at its March meeting. The feedback we received, including from the Full Council, has left no doubt that halting the plans is the right decision.”
The original proposals aimed to create more specialist provision closer to home, reduce long journeys for young children, and increase funding for specialist places within mainstream nurseries.
Cabinet member for Children and Families, Charles Pugsley, added: “Supporting children and families is our priority. The responses we received were powerful and heartfelt, and we are grateful to everyone who shared their views. It’s clear this plan was not the right way forward.”
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien during a visit to one of the nurseries that was under-threat.
