Brief
Islington council accused of delaying nursery closure announcement until after elections
Labour officials say the decision was made by the independent charity running the nursery, not the council.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A dispute erupted at Islington Town Hall after Labour councillors were accused of withholding news of a nursery closure until after May's local elections. The nursery, run by the Islington Play Association (IPA) at Paradise Park Children’s Centre, shut in July following the charity’s financial difficulties.
What happened
IPA surrendered its contract after severe financial pressure and informed the council in December 2025 that it could no longer operate the nursery. The council issued a statement in May saying it had "reluctantly agreed" to the trustees' request to close the provision at the end of the summer term. The closure was publicly announced 13 days after the May local elections, in which Labour narrowly retained control of the council despite Green gains.
What the reports add
Green councillor Carlos Valero highlighted the timing, suggesting residents might question why the decision was communicated so late. Labour cabinet member for children, schools and families Sheila Chapman responded angrily, calling Valero's comment "unhelpful" and denying any attempt to "sweep things under the carpet".
What was said
Valero told the meeting, "It is curious to me, and maybe to members of the public, that the decision was communicated to the public 13 days after an election." Chapman retorted, "What an unhelpful contribution," and added, "I don't know how else to say this – this was a unilateral decision due to financial circumstances taken by a third‑party provider. Once again, not the council's decision."
How it came about
The nursery’s operator, IPA, disputed claims that the closure originated with the council, emphasizing its own financial crisis. The council’s May statement framed the closure as a reluctant acceptance of the charity’s request, while parents continue to protest, describing Paradise Park as a "wonderful and caring" facility and warning of a shortage of affordable childcare places.
Key facts
- The Paradise Park nursery closed in July after its operator, the Islington Play Association, faced severe financial pressure. (standard.co.uk)
- The council announced the closure 13 days after the May local elections. (standard.co.uk)
- Labour cabinet member Sheila Chapman said the decision was made by the third‑party provider, not the council. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Islington rejects claims it buried nursery closure plans during local elections”
