Reading nursery set to close as no children attend it

The Sunnyside Nursery at the Sun Street Children's Centre in East Reading was set up in December 2021 to provide early education for disadvantaged two-year-old children.

The nursery is run by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), the council's independent children's services company.

While it has a capacity of eight places, no children currently attend.

Therefore BFfC wants to close Sunnyside Nursery down, a prospect that was discussed at a Reading Borough Council meeting.

Brian Grady, the director of education at BFfC explained that the proposed closure must go to consultation before a final decision is made.

Mr Grady said: "The provision is currently empty as there are no children accessing the provision, but it is right and proper that we consult to check in the local community about any potential unintended consequences."

Wendy Griffith (Labour, Battle) lead councillor for Children at Reading Borough Council. (Image: Brighter Futures for Children)

Wendy Griffith (Labour, Battle), lead councillor for children added: "Broadly, I think it's good to take it to consultation, I think if it's such a small nursery, if there are no children in there, it's probably a good idea to close it."

A consultation will last 30 days with a final decision being made two weeks after that.

Wendy Griffith (Labour, Battle) lead councillor for Children at Reading Borough Council. (Image: Reading Labour)

The action was agreed on at the council's adult social care, children's services and education committee on October 16.

A decision on whether to close the nursery or not will be taken by Lara Patel, the director of children's services for Reading, in consultation with cllr Griffith.

The nursery costs £40,000 to run each year, with £30,000 being spent on employees and £10,000 on other running costs.