Parents have expressed significant local impact and urgency
over the proposed closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre, with concerns raised about transparency and accountability.
The issue was brought before the Islington Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on Monday, June 29, 2026, following a referral from Councillor Jara Falkenburg. The committee's agenda and public reports pack for the meeting can be found here and here.
Councillor Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Children, Young People & Families, explained that the decision to cease nursery provision was made by IPA, the independent third-sector charity provider, due to financial non-viability. IPA trustees had notified the council on December 17, 2025, that they were no longer willing to provide the service because it was no longer financially viable to do so.
Councillor Chapman stated, IPA being an independent third-sector charity provider of childcare that the council had commissioned. So, we were told that by IPA, it wasn't the council's decision. We didn't, at that point, have any choice but to accept what we're being told by IPA because they were clear that they, for financial and other reasons, that they were no longer able to provide the contracted-forced service.
The meeting also mentioned an updated financial stabilisation proposal from the finance director at IPA
received on June 24, 2026, which was said to be dependent on ongoing council funding.
Councillor Chapman also noted that IPA had communicated conflicting things
about their financial situation, including facing very imminent insolvency
and potentially carrying on if given more money or a different arrangement.
Councillor Falkenburg highlighted that the closure, scheduled for July 22, affects 47 children, their families, and long-standing staff. Parents have described Paradise Park not simply as a nursery, but as a trusted, affordable, and much-loved space where their children feel safe, supported, and known,
she stated.
Councillor Chapman outlined three options being considered to support affected families: moving to alternative provision, providing temporary emergency transition care at the Paradise Park site, or increasing places at other council nurseries. The temporary emergency transition care at the Paradise Park location was proposed to run over the summer and possibly into the new term. Engagement with parents on these options was to conclude on July 1st, 2026, after which a final decision would be made. She assured that there is sufficient childcare provision across Islington, though parental preference for specific settings was acknowledged.
Parents voiced concerns about the timing of the communication regarding the closure. Councillor Chapman stated that IPA had not communicated well with us as a commissioning entity. They have not communicated well with parents.
She added that IPA had certainly failed to share critical information with the council.
Councillor Falkenburg requested that the committee initiate an urgent spotlight review or a similar focus scrutiny mechanism that could quickly bring together relevant parties for a full and urgent consideration of next steps.
Councillor Chapman also stated, in the interim we will also look at what meetings have happened, what further information people need and actually have a review of how this situation has come about.
The committee agreed to request written updates from Councillor Chapman and to review how the situation arose.
