Three primary schools in Greenwich borough are set to lose their nurseries because of falling pupil numbers as families leave London.
Fossdene and Thorntree schools in Charlton and St Margaret Clitherow Catholic school in Thamesmead are proposing to end their nursery provision from the end of this school year.
The nurseries had been closed temporarily at all three schools this year, and their governors now plan to hold consultations into closing them permanently. Keeping the nurseries open would risk the schools’ financial viability, a council report said.
News of the planned closures comes just a few weeks after the council rubber-stamped plans to close Gallions Mount primary school in Plumstead, and eight months after Holy Family school in Kidbrooke closed.
Pupil numbers across inner London have been falling after families moved out of the capital during the pandemic, while the soaring cost of living has also forced others to look elsewhere for a home. Fossdene has had more than 300 new homes built on its doorstep in recent years.
The plans emerged as Greenwich announced plans to open a special educational needs unit at Fossdene, which would create up to 16 spaces for children with autism and complex needs in two classrooms.
The council said this was to meet growing demand and guidance for “more inclusive mainstream schools that cater for children and young people who need specialist SEND provision”.
Earlier this month work started on a new SEN school, Rowan Wood, on the old Kidbrooke Park school site in Hargood Road.
The papers about the proposed nursery closures and the planned new SEN unit at Fossdene can be found on the council website.
📩 Follow The Greenwich Wire on Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn or Threads. You can also sign up for WhatsApp alerts – or subscribe to our emails through the blue box above.