Stanley’s Centres were originally established as Sure Start Children’s Centres — part of a national initiative to give every child the best start in life. For many local families, these centres provide far more than childcare. They offer early years support, family services, community connections, advice, and safe spaces where children can learn and thrive.
These centres are part of the fabric of South Tyneside — trusted places where staff know every family by name, where parents find support and friendship, and where children from every background get the best possible start in life. For over two decades, they have been there for families when they need it most.
South Tyneside Council has confirmed proposals to close all 10 Stanley’s Centres by July 2027, putting up to 150 jobs at risk. Their closure would have a massive impact on thousands of families across South Tyneside.
The Save Our Stanleys campaign has formally requested publication of the evidence underpinning proposals affecting STANLEY’s Daycare.
They have asked councillors and council leaders to publish:
- The Early Years Review
- The Options Appraisal
- The financial model
- The Childcare Sufficiency Assessment
- The Equality Impact Assessment
Families deserve transparency and the opportunity to understand the evidence before any decisions are made.
These proposals would devastate our community. Here’s what we stand to lose:
Impact on children
Every child deserves the best start in life. Reducing or removing these services could affect children’s development, school readiness, and access to safe spaces where they can learn and grow.
Impact on families
Any reduction in these services would have a significant impact on families across the borough, particularly those who rely on accessible local support. Families may face longer journeys, reduced availability, or loss of trusted local provision.
Impact on staff
The dedicated staff at Stanley’s Centres are skilled early years practitioners who are themselves members of our community with families of their own. Closures or reductions could put their jobs at risk, affecting not just the families they serve but their own livelihoods and the expertise they bring to our children’s care.
Impact on the community
Stanley’s Centres serve as community hubs. Their loss would affect not just individual families, but the wider social fabric of our towns — reducing opportunities for connection, support, and shared care.
These are not abstract concerns — these are confirmed proposals that will have real, devastating consequences for children, families, dedicated staff, and our wider community. Action must act be taken now to protect what matters.
Support the Save Our Stanley’s campaign. Circulate information about these threatened closures; visit the website www.SaveOurStanleys.help and sign the petition there.