Lambeth Council has said there are 22 schools and maintained nurseries which are forecasting deficit budgets totalling £12.2million
A proposal on the potential closure of three nursery schools in Lambeth has sparked a petition from a local parent who is calling for them to stay open.
Lambeth Council is currently consulting on the potential closure of Maytree, Effra and Triangle Nursery Schools, which are all part of Lambeth Nursery Schools Federation. The council says the nurseries have been struggling financially due to falling pupil numbers, caused by declining birth rates and families moving out of the borough following the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
Across Lambeth’s five maintained nursery schools, pupil numbers have fallen by more than 38 per cent over the past five years. The nurseries recorded a collective deficit of £2.4million at the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
Cllr Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Lambeth Council, said: “Our priority is to make sure children across Lambeth continue to access high‑quality early years education, now and in the future. Maintained nursery schools play a vital role, particularly for our most vulnerable children, and these are not decisions we take lightly.
“However, sustained falls in pupil numbers and a funding system based on headcount have created significant financial pressures. Doing nothing is not an option – it would risk the quality and sustainability of provision. That is why we are proposing to consult openly on the future of these three nurseries, working closely with the Lambeth Nursery School Federation and governing body.”
Cllr Kind went on to say that no decisions have yet been made, and said consultations are about listening to parents, staff and the wider community before any final proposals may be brought forward.
He added: “Any future decisions would include careful planning to support children and families, including consideration of continuity of care, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision, and access to specialist early years support.”
Local parent, Tee Abedeen, has launched a petition on change.org and has urged the council to stop the consultation, arguing other alternatives such as community-led initiatives and grants need to be explored. At the time of writing (February 23), Tee’s petition had garnered 666 signatures.
Tee, who calls the nurseries “lifelines” for many families in Lambeth in beyond, said: “If these closures proceed, we would not just lose buildings, we would lose decades of invaluable teaching experience that cannot be found anywhere else. These schools offer a level of specialist education and care that privatised settings simply cannot replicate.
“Maytree, Effra, and Triangle Nursery Schools have built a legacy of nurturing harmony, development, and equality. The dedicated staff at these schools provide tailor-made learning environments that respect and address the unique needs of each child, ensuring every child thrives in their early years.”
She added: “The closure of these nurseries would have devastating impacts on our community, particularly some of the most vulnerable children who rely on this crucial support. The educational experiences provided at these schools often serve as a foundational scaffold for lifelong learning and success.”
The council has said many schools in the borough are facing similar financial challenges due to falling pupil numbers and increased costs, and said 2025/26 budget reporting shows there are 22 schools and maintained nurseries which are forecasting deficit budgets totalling £12.2million.
All three consultations began on February 2. Parents have until March 23 to have their say on the plans which they can do on a dedicated page on the Love Lambeth website.
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