FEARS have been raised over the future of an outstanding nursery for pre-school children with complex special needs.

Parents of children at the Early Support Nursery, in Thornaby, near Stockton, have been told by the council that one of the options it is considering is closing the facility, which was ranked outstanding by Ofsted.

The Friends of Early Support group has raised more than £200,000 over the last 25 years to help equip the nursery, and recently spent £10,000 on a soft play area for the children, aged two to five.

But as part of Stockton Borough Council’s proposed changes to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services, the nursery could shut down, with children attending mainstream nurseries or “hubs” closer to home, which would still provide services such as occupational health, speech and language support.

Consultation meetings have been taking place with those affected by the changes and the council asked parents to add their input before December 9.

Darren Gunn, chairman of the Friends group, said: “We found it hard to believe that the professionals holding these meetings and quite possibly the rest of the Cabinet were not aware of our charity and the hard work we have put into the nursery.

“This very sad proposal will mean that over 27 years of hard work developing and evolving a facility that meets our children’s sensory, emotional and overall wellbeing will be tossed aside as if it never existed.”

He said because of the consultation all fundraising had been suspended until further notice, and called on parents to oppose the closure of the “magic” nursery.

Councillor Ann McCoy, Stockton’s cabinet member for children, said: “The model that we are consulting on would offer children a specialist nursery place locally rather than from a single facility so more of our children and young people can access support that best meets their needs close to their home.”

She said all views submitted would be taken into consideration and added: “If any changes are made, all existing places will be maintained so children currently in a place will remain in that place until their next natural transition.”

To sign a petition to save the nursery, visit: www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-our-nursery-2