Parents fight proposed SEND nursery closures

Parents are fighting proposals that could see four specialist nurseries for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) shut down.

Leicestershire County Council launched a consultation on plans to give extra funding to mainstream nurseries instead of commissioning specialist nursery places for children with complex needs on 12 January.

The Reform UK-run authority said the move would allow families to access SEND provision in communities closer to home.

However, more than 1,200 people have since signed a petition against the proposals.

The county council said it understood it was an "important issue" and encouraged people to share their experiences with the authority via the consultation.

The petition has been started by 32-year-old Zenobia, who has two daughters with special educational needs.

Her eldest daughter, four-year-old Florence, previously attended Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School in Hinckley, which is affected by the planned closures.

Her youngest daughter, two-year-old Eloise, also has a place at Sketchley Hill.

"These nurseries are not just educational facilities," Zenobia said. "They are lifelines.

"They offer tailored care, expertise in special education, and an environment where vulnerable children can thrive."

The county council currently commissions SEND nursery places from three providers at four different locations:

• Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School in Hinckley
• Wigston Menphys Nursery School in Wigston
• Oasis Retreat in Melton Mowbray
• Lift Beacon in Loughborough

Under the proposed changes, these places would no long be commissioned, and instead there would be extra funding for mainstream nurseries.

This includes a new funding band of £10 per hour for children with complex needs, in addition to government funded free hours entitlement for nursery provision.

Robert Martin, chief executive of charity Menphys, which runs two of the under-threat nurseries, said: "We have already heard from so many parents about the anguish of the doors closing.

"My own son, who is diagnosed with a severe learning disability, attended five years ago.

"The nurseries changed our lives so I personally understand what they mean to families and the difference they make."

Martin said he hoped that if enough people opposed the closures the county council would rethink its plan and keep them open.

Deborah Taylor, leader of the county council's opposition Conservative group, said: "These settings provide vital early intervention and tailored support for some of our most vulnerable children and their families.

"Many of these children need structured, specialist care to make progress that mainstream settings, through no fault of their own, may not be equipped to deliver.

"Families also depend on these nurseries for stability, specialist guidance, and respite.

"Families will crumble without this support."

She said said she had written to Charles Pugsley, the council's cabinet member for children and families, urging him to rethink the proposals.

A consultation on the proposed changes, which can be found here, will run until 22 February 2026.

Pugsley said: "Through this consultation we are listening carefully to everyone affected, including parents, carers, staff and our partners.

"We welcome all feedback and encourage people to share their thoughts through the consultation process. Responses will be considered before any final decision is made.

"We're grateful to everyone who is taking the time to engage with the consultation and to share their experiences with us."

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