London's Declining Birth Rate Puts Three Lambeth Nurseries at Risk of Closure
A proposal to potentially close three nursery schools in Lambeth has ignited a passionate community response, with a local parent launching a petition to save these vital early years institutions. The nurseries at risk are Maytree, Effra, and Triangle Nursery Schools, all part of the Lambeth Nursery Schools Federation.
Financial Pressures Mount Due to Falling Pupil Numbers
Lambeth Council has initiated consultations on the possible closures, citing severe financial challenges stemming from declining enrollment. Across Lambeth's five maintained nursery schools, pupil numbers have plummeted by more than 38 percent over the past five years. This dramatic decrease is attributed to falling birth rates combined with families relocating out of the borough following the pandemic and ongoing cost of living pressures.
The financial impact has been substantial. The nurseries recorded a collective deficit of £2.4 million at the end of the 2024/25 financial year. Councilor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Lambeth Council, emphasized the difficult position facing the borough.
"Our priority is to make sure children across Lambeth continue to access high-quality early years education, now and in the future," said Cllr Kind. "Maintained nursery schools play a vital role, particularly for our most vulnerable children, and these are not decisions we take lightly."
Community Petition Gains Momentum
Local parent Tee Abedeen has launched a petition on Change.org urging the council to halt the consultation process and explore alternative solutions. The petition had garnered 666 signatures as of February 23, demonstrating significant community concern about the potential closures.
In her petition, Tee describes the nurseries as "lifelines" for many families in Lambeth and beyond. "If these closures proceed, we would not just lose buildings, we would lose decades of invaluable teaching experience that cannot be found anywhere else," she stated. "These schools offer a level of specialist education and care that privatised settings simply cannot replicate."
Tee emphasized the unique educational environment provided by these nurseries, noting that "the dedicated staff at these schools provide tailor-made learning environments that respect and address the unique needs of each child, ensuring every child thrives in their early years."
Broader Financial Challenges Across Lambeth Schools
The three nurseries are not alone in facing financial difficulties. Lambeth Council reports that 22 schools and maintained nurseries across the borough are forecasting deficit budgets totaling £12.2 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This widespread challenge reflects similar pressures affecting educational institutions throughout London.
Cllr Kind explained the council's position: "Sustained falls in pupil numbers and a funding system based on headcount have created significant financial pressures. Doing nothing is not an option - it would risk the quality and sustainability of provision."
Consultation Process and Future Considerations
The council has stressed that no final decisions have been made regarding the nurseries' futures. All three consultations began on February 2, with parents having until March 23 to provide feedback through a dedicated page on the Love Lambeth website.
Cllr Kind emphasized that consultations are about "listening to parents, staff and the wider community before any final proposals may be brought forward." He added that any future decisions would include careful planning to support children and families, with particular consideration given to:
- Continuity of care during any transition
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision
- Access to specialist early years support
Tee Abedeen argues that alternatives such as community-led initiatives and grants should be thoroughly explored before considering closure. She warns that "the closure of these nurseries would have devastating impacts on our community, particularly some of the most vulnerable children who rely on this crucial support."
The educational experiences provided at these schools, she notes, "often serve as a foundational scaffold for lifelong learning and success." As the consultation period continues, the community awaits the council's final decision on the fate of these three cherished early education institutions.
