On 28 June, a report was presented to Croydon Cabinet that describes how the borough’s five maintained nursery schools (MNS) cost more to run than the central government grant provided. You can find it on pages 95-124 of this document (agenda item 7) https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/documents/g3578/Public%20reports%20pack%2028th-Jun-2023%2018.30%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10
The recommendation of the report (2.2) is “to agree to a formal consultation and publication of statutory notice on the proposed option: to agree to reduce the number of MNS within the borough via closure or amalgamation”
The report points out (4.4) that “MNS tend to have a higher number of children with special educational needs and disabilities and children from disadvantaged backgrounds than other early years providers”. It also states (6.2) that “maintained nursery schools have higher costs than other early years providers, as they are required to employ qualified teachers and a headteacher and meet the same standards and requirements as other schools”. Staffing costs make up the majority of their expenditure (11.1.2).
Tunstall Nursery School is currently ranked “outstanding” by OFSTED. If you are concerned about its future, you may like to contact your local ward councillors Patricia Hay-Justice, Clive Fraser and Sean Fitzsimons. You can meet with them at their regular surgeries which take place on the second Saturday of the month, from 10.30am to 12 noon, at the Sir Philip Game Centre, Morland Avenue. You can also contact them by email
East Croydon Community Organisation 