Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has denied accusations that a list of 12 school nurseries is set for closure this year. Concerned parents in Oxton have launched a campaign to save Channelkirk Nursery, fearing it may be made “inactive” due to low enrolment numbers.
Parents Alarmed Over Closure Fears
A meeting between local parents and council officials revealed that nurseries with fewer than eight pupils were being reviewed. Paul Fulton, a parent and member of the Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council, said they uncovered the potential closures “by accident.”
“We heard rumors in January about a review happening that we weren’t informed about. We organized a Zoom meeting with a council officer and local councillors, where we were told that Channelkirk Nursery, with only five enrolments, was under review for closure unless the number increased to at least eight.”
Efforts from parents have since led to two additional enrollments, with another child possibly joining soon. However, the lack of transparency remains a major concern.
Concerns Over Lack of Consultation
Fulton claims that 12 nurseries across the Scottish Borders may be affected, with many parents and teachers unaware of the situation.
“Teachers at Channelkirk only found out about this through parents. That’s the biggest issue here—how the council is handling this. There has been no consultation, and if we hadn’t caught wind of this, decisions could have been made behind closed doors without any input from the community.”
He emphasized the nursery’s importance, calling it a “crucial part of the community” and a direct feeder into Channelkirk Primary School, which currently has around 48 pupils.
Impact on Families and Community
If the nursery closes, families in Oxton may have to send their children to Lauder, a five-mile commute each way.
- Many families in Oxton have only one car, making daily travel difficult.
- Commuters working in Edinburgh would struggle with the additional burden.
- The closure could affect future school enrolments, impacting the long-term viability of Channelkirk Primary School.
“It’s not just about the nursery—it’s about keeping the school healthy too,” Fulton added.
Council Defends Annual Review Process
SBC insists there is no definitive list of closures, describing the review as a standard annual assessment of enrolment numbers, staffing, and overall provision.
“Each year, we evaluate school and nursery enrolments and determine the feasibility of maintaining each setting. Some nurseries may be marked as ‘inactive’—a temporary status lasting up to one year,” an SBC spokesperson said.
“Inactive status differs from permanent closure or mothballing. It allows a setting to be reinstated quickly if enrolment numbers rise. There is currently no closure list, and this is part of a routine assessment.”
Despite these reassurances, parents in Oxton remain skeptical, demanding more transparency and formal community engagement before any decisions are made.
