8/12/14 - Thanks to all your support online and in person, at the petition signing events and protest, we were able to reach The Mayor Luthfur Rahman and the Cabinet, who on 3rd December 2014 announced that all 4 public nurseries i.e Queen Mary, Mary Sambrook, John Smith and Overland are to stay open!
The petition is calling on Tower Hamlets Council and Department for Communities and Local Government to reverse proposed cuts and review the proposal re closure of all public nurseries Queen Mary, John Smith, Mary Sambrook, Overland and instead offer fair and robust consultation with public, parents, staff, and Trade Unions to discuss a possible way forward which will allow the continuation of such a valuable service. Involve parents groups i.e system such as schools governing body to be introduced to assist The Council in efficient running of the service, public voice, quality assurance.
Why is this important?
These nurseries are outstanding and a fabric of the local communities, part of the community history and cohesion. Some have been running for over 30 years, with dedicated well trained staff teams. All 4 remaining provide affordable childcare to children with different type of needs i.e special educational needs, parents on low -medium income, lone parents, students, residents that may require support. Closures will affect parents ability to work, study, lone parents. Disruptions will affect the children's well being.
They offer children quality care and are alternative to often overpriced private sector nurseries. Poverty of families in Tower Hamlets is increasing, so is the younger population of children under 10, yet there appears to be no long term planning by The Council of how to support the outstanding nurseries to continue their work within local community.
Please support our petition and campaign Save Our Nurseries - Tower Hamlets.
