Tories Threaten Closure for Ashgate Nursery

The Labour Group in Derby are both shocked and very disappointed  at the proposals to close the much loved and well used Ashgate Nursery; a nursery that  has served many generations of local families and their children. 

These proposals, which include transferring children from Ashgate Nursery to Central Nursery, are both puzzling and worrying, especially as the Central Nursery would struggle to place all of the children.

The current Conservative administration introduced the “funding formula” which seems to have prompted these problems and subsequent proposals was ironically introduced by them in 2020.

Local Councillor and Shadow Cabinet member for Children’s Services John Whitby said

“I am demanding an urgent meeting with Derby City Council to try to find a positive way forward”

Labour’s Candidate for Derby North, Catherine Atkinson said

“This is an appalling announcement for families in Mackworth just before Christmas. The city council figures don’t seem to stack up and the Conservative-led Council appear to have created the problem in the first place by changing the funding formula.

“The city council say that children can go to the Central Nursery School and other nursery providers. But Central is further away and doesn’t have enough spaces. So, the only option for many families will be more expensive private nurseries.

“The greatest difference we can make to a persons life chances are in their first three years. Closing Ashgate would be a huge mistake especially as birth rates show that the need for nursery provision is likely to increase.

“I, along with the local Labour team, will be encouraging everyone in the community to participate in the consultation to show the city council how important this local nursery is.”

Photo left to right

Nadine Peatfield - Deputy Labour Group Leader

Baggy Shanker - Labour Group Leader

John Whitby - Mackworth and New Zealand Councillor and Shadow Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

Catherine Atkinson - Labour Party PPC for Derby North

Nwando Umeh - Labour Party Candidate for Mackworth and New Zealand

Ndukwe Onuoha - Labour Party Candidate for Mackworth and New Zealand