JohnSenior councillors will next week debate proposals to withdraw from running three nurseries in the city to save cash – despite protests from parents.
The Gipton North, Kentmere and Chapel Allerton Little Owls nurseries could close to tackle an overspend on day care provision.
A further 12 nurseries could be taken over by alternative providers as part of a review by cash-strapped Leeds City Council.
The authority would continue to directly operate another nine of the nurseries, which look after children aged between three months and five years.
Councillors on the decision-making Executive Board will discuss the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday (June 19), with a council report recommending the cost-cutting measures be approved.
A report to the meeting said that in 2022/23, the annual cost of running Little Owls was £3.9m, which included a £1.9m overspend. The overspend was was reduced to £841,000 the following year.
The report said: “The financial losses sustained by the council in the operation of its Little Owls nurseries cannot be sustained.”
The Executive Board is recommended to approve the withdrawal from or closure of the three nurseries. The report said withdrawal could mean alternative providers delivering the service in future.
A decision on possible closures was already delayed after an outcry from parents who feared higher nursery costs and disruption for their children. The report said closures would be based on evidence there was sufficient alternative provision for families.
Children attending Gipton North could go to Osmondthorpe or Harehills. Youngsters at the Kentmere Centre in Seacroft could go to Little Owls Seacroft or Parklands.
A “market sounding” exercise would be held over the future of 12 nurseries. They include: Shepherds Lane, Meanwood, St Mary’s Hunslet, Hawksworth Wood, City and Holbeck, Parklands, Quarry Mount, Bramley, Hunslet Rylestone, Osmondthorpe, Rothwell and Burley Park.
Alternative providers could include schools, charities or private companies.
Childcare at nine centres – Chapeltown, New Bewerley, Little London, Harehills, Swarcliffe, Seacroft, Middleton Laurel Bank, Two Willows and Armley Moor – would continue to be directly delivered by the council to ensure sufficient places for vulnerable children.
The full council report can be read in full here.
