Parents say appeals to save nurseries 'fell on deaf ears'

EDUCATION bosses claim that the argument for closing two city nurseries "substantially outweighs" the objections made by parents following a six-week public consultation.

Parents raised a series of concerns over the proposed closure of Princess Elizabeth Nursery in Prestonfield and High School Yards, off Cowgate.

These included the impact on parental choice, quality and educational benefits and issues surrounding moving children into larger nursery schools.

Despite hearing objections at public meetings and receiving written responses from parents, former headteachers and former pupils, education bosses have reaffirmed their intention to close both in July.

A new report on the outcome of the consultation will be presented to councillors next month, who will take the final decision on the futures of the nurseries.

Education director Gillian Tee said: "After taking account of the representations made and the issues arising, the director of children and families still considers that the case for closure substantially outweighs the objections made."

She said there was "over capacity" in nursery provision in these parts of the city and that closing Princess Elizabeth and High School Yards would be the "most effective way of reducing capacity, causing minimum disruption for parents and pupils".

Some parents feel the consultation has not taken the process any further.

Uzma Tufail-Hanif, whose son attends Princess Elizabeth, said parents felt their views had not been listened to.

She said: "The results of this consultation are not a huge surprise. I know we expected it, but it's disheartening to know that people tried to make their voices heard and it has fallen on deaf ears.

"There were quite a lot of concerns or questions raised that haven't been addressed.

"The council just seems to be reiterating what was said before, not providing clarification, proof or justification."

Parents have raised concerns that their children would be moved into nurseries with poorer standards of care and quality of environment.

HM Inspectorate of Education has visited both nurseries, as well as the alternatives being recommended by the council, as part of the consultation.

Its report said: "HMIE is of the opinion that children affected will continue to receive an appropriate educational experience."

Closing the two nurseries will save the council just under 200,000 per year, as well as bringing in 250,000 through the sale of the buildings.

Education bosses say that the average cost per pupil at High School Yards is 6468, compared with the city average of 5754, while the cost per pupil is 6301 at Princess Elizabeth.

If closure plans go ahead, children from High School Yards would be offered places at Royal Mile Primary School nursery class and at St Leonard's Nursery School.

Children from Princess Elizabeth would be offered places at Cameron House Nursery School and Prestonfield Primary School nursery class.

City education leader Marilyne MacLaren said: "Empty nursery places cost a lot of money and it's important that we get best value from every penny we spend."