Islington Council's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee has reviewed the proposed closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre, a decision affecting 49 families and 47 children, and discussed support for those impacted.
During a meeting on Monday, June 29, 2026, the committee heard about the proposed closure, with Councillor Jara Falkenburg referring the matter for scrutiny due to its significant local impact and urgency. Councillor Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Children, Young People & Families, explained that the third-sector provider, IPA, cited no longer financially viable to do so
as the reason for ceasing nursery provision. IPA trustees had notified the council of this decision on December 17, 2025.
The proposed end of nursery provision at Paradise Park Children's Centre is scheduled for July 22nd, which is now only just over three weeks away
from the meeting date. Councillor Chapman also indicated a working plan towards closure at the end of the summer term.
Options to support affected families include moving to alternative provision across Islington, temporary emergency transition care at the Paradise Park site, or increasing places at other council nurseries. While specific eligibility criteria for these options were not explicitly detailed, Councillor Chapman noted that all Islington subsidised providers would ensure families continue to access the same benefits. She added that subsidised places are available on a sliding scale according to household income, with the council unable to subsidise costs for more affluent families.
Parents have expressed concerns about transparency and the timing of communication. Councillor Falkenberg requested an urgent written briefing setting out the current timelines, the options that have and are being considered, the support being offered to families, the evidence around suitable alternative provision, and the assessment of impact on affected children
.
Councillor Chapman acknowledged that IPA have not communicated well with us as a commissioning entity. They have not communicated well with parents.
She stated that the council has been formally engaging with families on the three options since June 17th, 2026, with a response deadline of July 1st, 2026. The committee agreed to request written updates from Councillor Chapman, with a deadline of the second Monday of September.
The meeting agenda and public reports pack can be found at Agenda frontsheet 29th Jun 2026 and Public reports pack 29th Jun 2026.
