Council aims to take over under-threat Hillview Nursery

Proposal is set to be debated later this month

Council bosses want a to take over a closurethreatened Pa i s l ey nursery.

Charity Childcare First announced plans to close its Hillview Nursery in March after funding cuts made by the local authority.

However, leader Iain Nicolson and his depute Jim Paterson are set to suggest the transfer of the Ferguslie Park nursery to the council at a full meeting later this month.

The elected members will put forward a motion on September 27 to be voted on by their peers.

It reads: “Renfrewshire Council notes the decision of the board of Childcare First to close Hillview Nursery in March 2019.

“Council recognises the potential impact the decision will have on the children and families presently using the service at Hillview.

“Council wants to ensure that children in their pre-school year don’t have to change nursery placement before they move to primary school.

“Council is committed to ensuring that children entitled to the present 600 hours of funded learning and childcare can do so.

“Council is also developing the plan to expand the funded hours to 1,140 by 2020.

“The council is committed to ensuring the continuation of service to the children and families who use Hillview nursery and agrees to approach Childcare First to secure the transfer of the service to the council.”

A total of 36 children will face moving to another nursery if Hillview cannot be saved.

Heartbroken parents spoke passionately about what the nursery has done for their children.

Parent Claire Reid said: “As a working mum I’m confident knowing my son is being looked after by great people, who love the kids in their care.

“Despite the prospect of losing their jobs, the staff have been quoted as saying they’ll be focusing on making amazing memories for their kids in the time they have left together.

“This is a testament to Hillview Nursery and its values.”

Councillor Paterson, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, has told parents the administration is doing whatever it can to protect the future of the nursery.

He previously said: “I can assure parents that the council leader and I have been in conversation with officers and other elected members on how to resolve this situation in the best interests of the children at Hillview Nursery.

“Councillor Nicolson and I have agreed to meet parents next week to discuss their concerns and agree a way forward to ensure Hillview Nursery has a sustainable longterm future.”

The proposed motion was welcomed by Labour group leader Eddie Devine, who commended Hillview parents for making their voice heard.

He said: “We are delighted that the council has seen sense in keeping open a superb nursery school.

“Congratulations go to the parents who have done a remarkable job in such a short time.”

As a working mum I’m confident knowing my son is being looked after by great people who love the kids in their care Claire Reid