Islington Council is facing a High Court challenge over the impending closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre, with parents formally seeking a judicial review. The closure, set for the end of the school term, has sparked protests and a petition signed by over 4,600 people.
Parents Launch Legal Action
Jonny Singer, one of 37 residents backing the legal challenge, said the loss of the nursery would inflict "significant damage" on children and place considerable pressure on families already struggling with limited or unaffordable childcare options. "We would much rather keep the nursery open without having to resort to legal proceedings," he said.
Conflicting Narratives Over Closure
The council announced on May 20 that it had "reluctantly" agreed to close the nursery at the request of the charity Islington Play Association (IPA), which cited financial difficulties. However, IPA denied this, stating the idea to close "did not originate from the trustees" and that allegations of financial mismanagement were "unfounded." The council's press statement blaming IPA has since been removed from its website.
Council's Position
On June 29, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, Cllr Sheila Chapman, reaffirmed that trustees told the council in December 2025 they could no longer run the nursery for financial reasons. She added that the charity's poor communication had scuppered a "seamless transition." The council is considering "temporary emergency transition care" at the same location over the summer and possibly into the new term.
Legal Grounds
The claimants argue the council is in breach of its statutory duty to provide "sufficient" childcare, as some families face year-long waiting lists for places elsewhere. They also allege the council failed to act despite warning signs of IPA's financial problems over a year before the closure request, citing councillors' comments in October 2024 about the charity's £170,000 budget shortfall. Additionally, they claim IPA told staff the council served notice to terminate the contract early, which would have required earlier notification and consultation.
The High Court will now decide whether to hold an interim hearing. Islington Council declined to comment on live legal proceedings, and IPA did not respond to a request for comment.
