Our Nursery Schools Matter
A community led group dedicated to protecting early education across our nursery schools
Get involved
Founded by parents in response to a decision to consult on the future of maintained nursery schools in Croydon. We are building a community group committed to protecting early education and support services for the children and families across our community.
Croydon Council launched a consultation on 18th September on the proposal to cut the number of maintained nurseries. It is essential the council hears from as many people as possible throughout our community explaining how Crosfield, Selhurst and our other maintained nurseries have made and continue to make such a significant, long lasting and essential impact for the children in our community. You can respond to the consultation here.
South Norwood Community Kitchen are holding a public day of action to support the campaign on Saturday 30th September 11.30am-1.30pm as part of the weekly Saturday community lunches from their space at Socco Cheta Community Hub on Portland Rd. Child-friendly event - come and support the campaign to protect Crosfield and Selhurst nurseries.
In June 2023, Croydon Council announced that it would consult on their recommendation to reduce the number of maintained nursery schools via closure or merger. Croydon has five maintained nursery schools that provide over 400 affordable places for children across the borough. Crosfield and Selhurst Nursery schools are treasured in our community and have nurtured generations of local children with the genuinely inclusive approach of their expert educators.
Follow our campaign
Follow us to find out about latest news in our campaign and to share your stories.
Our Nursery Schools Matter in the news
https://insidecroydon.com/2023/09/19/community-campaigns-join-forces-to-fight-for-nursery-schools/
https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/croydon-council-backlash-teachers-parents-27766986
Background
There are 385 grant-maintained nursery schools educating around 40,000 children in the UK, and they receive their funding from the Department for Education, administered by the local authority. However, over 50% were running a deficit in 2021-22, compared to only 10% in 2009.
Maintained nursery schools (MNS) provide high-quality affordable early years education and childcare. Unlike private providers, they must be led by a qualified headteacher, and have a minimum number of qualified teaching staff. They also have a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) who's sole focus is on supporting children with Special Needs. For many children with Special Needs they are a lifeline, providing a safe and nurturing space, often after parents have struggled to find a setting that could and would meet their child's needs.
Watch this video from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition to understand the enormous importance our nursery schools for us all.
Why we love our nursery schools
“I love that my son has such amazing support at Crosfield, where he can learn in a large outdoor space. I have been offered support for my whole family and as a parent of a child born during the strict lockdowns, this has meant the world to me.
Georgia, Croydon Parent
“Crosfield staff helped identify my child's needs after finding that the private nursery they attended could not. Most importantly they transformed his experience of nursery to one where he was happy and developing daily."
Nikki, Croydon Parent
“My child has the space and freedom to explore. When I speak to other people locally they have nothing but praise and fond memories of our nursery - it is a treasured part of our area”
