Parents at Leeds City Council-run Little Owls nurseries across Leeds were shocked when they received letters in March announcing that 3 nurseries would face imminent closure in less than 2 months time in May, whilst a further 12 nurseries would face proposals to explore whether alternative providers for childcare could be found in their area.

These proposals, initially made with no plans to seriously consult parents have resulted in huge distress, with some parents worried given the imminence of the closures that they may have to give up work.

The outcry from parents has already forced the council to retreat, postponing the 3 planned closures until August, and launching an 'engagement exercise' with parents.

Little Owls nurseries provide vital publicly-run, affordable quality childcare. Rather than closing nurseries and exacerbating the childcare crisis further - we believe that funding for childcare should be increased, in particular central government 'funded' places should be fully rather than only partially funded.

We call upon Leeds City Council

*Put in the public domain all documents relating to the review of Little Owls nurseries
*Withdraw the current proposals to close 3 Little Owls nurseries and explore options for a further 12 Little Owls nurseries
*Work with trade unions and community campaigns to demand sufficient funding from central government to fully cover funded nursery places