Parents in Islington have condemned as “scandalous” plans to close a local nursery, amid a dispute between its managers and the council over who initiated the shutdown. The charity running Paradise Park Children’s Centre Nursery has rejected the council’s claims that trustees proposed the closure.
Background of the Dispute
For years, Islington Council has commissioned the independent charity Islington Play Association (IPA) to run Paradise Park nursery and several adventure playgrounds in the borough. On Wednesday, May 20, the council announced it had “reluctantly agreed” to close nursery provision at the end of the summer term, stating that the decision came at IPA’s request due to “significant financial challenges.” The announcement has sparked uproar among families using the service, who are pleading with the council to halt the closure.
Parents’ Reactions
Parent Jonny Singer expressed frustration, saying: “We feel pretty powerless. It just feels scandalous that a few days after being elected a Labour council will be shutting down an amazing community asset. The nursery staff are so caring and wonderful, and the quality of SEND care is fantastic here. If you uproot these children, that is going to do significant damage. It all just feels so unnecessary.”
The council’s announcement came days after 29 staff employed at the nursery and several adventure playgrounds were told their jobs were “at risk.” Although Paradise Park is slated for closure on July 22, the council has stressed it is “working hard” to ensure all adventure playgrounds remain open.
Calls for Council Action
Mr. Singer has urged the council to meet with families to consider proposals to keep the centre running. Staff members, many facing redundancy and wishing to remain anonymous, have called on the council to review a plan for a “peaceful leadership transition supported by experienced local early years charities.” They stated: “This distress is unnecessary and entirely avoidable.”
Charity’s Response
Though IPA has not denied financial difficulties, it has rejected the council’s claim that the decision to close Paradise Park “originated with trustees” and pushed back on “unfounded” allegations of financial mismanagement. In a statement on May 22, IPA said it was grappling with rising costs, including higher energy and repairs bills, and “changes in national insurance contributions and the London Living Wage.” IPA added that trustees were considering a “range of strategic options” and would continue to deliver nursery and playground services for now, with further updates “in due course.”
Council’s Position
The local authority has criticized IPA’s “failures” for stoking parents’ anxieties. The council said it was supporting families to find suitable alternative childcare and “acted quickly” to secure continued running of other adventure playgrounds. IPA has run the nursery and playgrounds on behalf of the council for years, receiving almost £1 million annually in grants.
When asked how long it was aware of IPA’s financial difficulties, the council did not answer. It also declined to comment on whether it would consider alternative proposals to keep the centre open. A spokesperson said: “The council has worked with IPA to help it monitor its financial position ever since IPA revealed it was facing difficulties. However, the council cannot force IPA to take a particular course of action.”
The LDRS contacted IPA for further comment, but the charity had not responded after several days.
