Fears over the future of Tyneside daycare centres have emerged, but South Tyneside Council insists that no decisions have been made. The concerns follow claims that several STANLEY Daycare Centres across the borough could be closed or reduced, potentially leading to many staff losing their jobs.
Council Review Underway
South Tyneside Council has stated that support for local children is under review as part of its 2026/27 budget, agreed in February. The council is currently evaluating how it supports children and families in the area. While no decisions have been made, the local authority noted that it would not be appropriate to comment on specific service models or potential changes while the process is ongoing.
The STANLEY network, which stands for South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years, provides childcare and early education services for young children, as well as support for local families. There are 12 daycare sites across South Tyneside, each aimed at helping children have the best start in life and reducing inequalities.
Legal Duty and Consultation
The council has a legal duty to ensure sufficient childcare places are available for families locally, whether provided directly or through other providers. It added that there are no immediate changes proposed that would impact childcare arrangements for the start of the 2026–27 academic year. Any decisions would follow full consultation and appropriate notice periods, ensuring families have time to plan.
A South Tyneside Council spokesperson said: "We are reviewing how we support children and families, with a focus on building a stronger, more joined-up system that helps families get the right support at the right time. This work forms part of the Council's 2026/27 budget, agreed in February, which includes delivering a range of efficiencies, service improvements and income generation across all services."
"Discussions with staff and trade unions are underway, and no decisions have been made at this stage. It would not be appropriate to comment on specific service models or potential changes while this process is ongoing. We understand there has been external speculation and that this may be unsettling. However, we would ask people not to draw conclusions at this stage."
"Our focus is on ensuring children and families can continue to access the support they need in their local communities, including looking at how services can be delivered in the most effective and accessible way."
Union Response
Trade union UNISON has expressed determination to stand up for staff and safeguard both employment and vital services. UNISON South Tyneside Local Government branch secretary Janet Green said: "Staff at the Stanley Centres will be understandably concerned about these proposals and the potential impact on their jobs. UNISON is determined to stand up for staff and safeguard both employment and the vital services local communities rely on."
"The union will be pressing the employer to be transparent about its plans and to carry out a full and meaningful consultation with staff and UNISON representatives. The employer must avoid compulsory redundancies where possible as workers are central to delivering local services and deserve fairness, security and respect throughout this process."
Political Dispute
Councillor Paul Mackings, who was elected as the new leader of South Tyneside Council last month, issued a public statement stating that cuts to the services were implemented in the last budget, before Reform gained control of the council. He said: "I would like to clear one thing up, the cuts to the STANLEY Nursery services across South Tyneside were implemented in the last budget as passed by the outgoing Labour administration. Reform UK and my administration are not responsible for what was set in the budget of the previous administration, but we have to comply with the legally agreed financial budget of South Tyneside Council."
"We will be keeping everything under review in our budget which will be presented February 2027 ahead of the new financial year."
However, South Shields Labour MP Emma Lewell countered the statement, arguing that previous Labour-led administration plans can be altered and the new Reform-led administration is choosing not to. Ms Lewell said: "My constituents know that I have a track record of calling things out when it harms the people I represent, regardless of political affiliations."
"Honesty, openness and facts in public life matter. That is why it is disappointing to see the new council leader, councillor Mackings, who has so far ignored my request to meet on other issues, claiming he is completely powerless to act when it comes to the proposed cuts to the seven Stanley Daycare venues in my constituency."
"This is not the case at all. The new Reform-led administration can alter the previous Labour-led administration plans. They are choosing not to. It was wrong of the previous Labour administration to propose these drastic cuts; it will be equally wrong for the new administration to plough ahead with them regardless. I share the serious concerns of distressed parents and those whose jobs may be at risk. I am also very concerned for the welfare of the children and families who will be affected by this decision."
ChronicleLive contacted the Labour Party for a comment.
