Islington Council denies suppressing nursery closure news
Labour councillor hits back at accusations the closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre was kept quiet until after local elections.
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Islington Council has denied claims that it deliberately delayed announcing the closure of Paradise Park Children’s Centre nursery until after the local elections on 8 May 2026. The nursery ceased operations on 22 July 2026 when its operator, Islington Play Association (IPA), surrendered its contract due to financial difficulties.
The closure prompted a backlash from parents, many of whom lobbied the Labour-run council to keep the facility open. They expressed concerns about the loss of a "wonderful and caring" provision and the scarcity of affordable alternative childcare options. The council has since established temporary childcare at the site for affected families.
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Accusations of delayed announcement
At a council meeting on 24 September 2026, where a petition to halt the nursery's closure was debated, Green Party councillor Carlos Valero suggested the timing of the announcement was politically motivated. He noted that the decision was communicated to the public 13 days after the election in a ward where a small shift in votes could have changed the outcome.
Labour secured victory in the local elections on 8 May 2026, but the party lost 12 seats, while the Green Party gained 16 councillors. In response to Mr Valero's comments, Labour Executive Member for Children, Schools and Families, Councillor Sheila Chapman, stated: "How dare you suggest that this administration is trying to sweep things under the carpet."
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Operator's financial issues
Councillor Chapman explained that IPA had informed the council in December 2025 of its inability to continue operating the nursery due to financial reasons. She emphasised that the closure was a "unilateral decision due to financial circumstances taken by a third-party provider" and therefore "not the council’s decision."
IPA has contested the suggestion that the decision originated from its trustees and has denied allegations of financial mismanagement. However, the charity has acknowledged facing significant financial pressures. Councillor Chapman added that it would not have been a prudent use of public funds to support IPA, which was facing insolvency, or to establish a new council-run nursery when sufficient childcare places were available elsewhere in the borough.
Legal challenge dismissed
Parents concerned about the closure had lodged a judicial review, arguing that the council had failed in its duty to ensure adequate childcare provision. They cited difficulties in finding affordable alternatives, particularly for children with additional needs. However, the High Court dismissed the case in July 2026, with Mrs Justice Eady ruling it "totally without merit."
Councillor Chapman stated that she had not encountered any parents still struggling to find childcare and encouraged anyone facing such difficulties to come forward.
Questions this report answers
+Why did the Paradise Park Children’s Centre nursery close?
The nursery closed on 22 July 2026 because its operator, Islington Play Association, surrendered its contract due to financial difficulties. The council stated it was informed of the operator's financial issues in December 2025.
+Was the closure decision made by Islington Council?
Islington Council stated that the decision to close the nursery was made by the third-party operator, Islington Play Association, due to its financial circumstances. The council said it reluctantly agreed to the trustees' request to close the provision.
+Did parents take legal action over the closure?
Yes, a group of parents initiated a judicial review, arguing the council breached its duty to ensure sufficient childcare. However, the High Court dismissed the case in July 2026, deeming it "totally without merit."
+What was the outcome of the local elections in Islington?
The Labour Party won the local elections on 8 May 2026 but lost 12 seats. The Green Party saw significant gains, securing 16 new councillors on the council.
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