Scottish Borders Council consultation into nursery closures ‘unreasonable’ – watchdog

Dr Alice Blackwell, one of the parents affected by the proposals, said the council’s education leadership repeatedly asked families to “trust its processes”.

“Trust cannot be built on consultation forms, carefully worded reports and assurances that everything is being done properly,” she said.

“It has to be earned through openness, evidence and actually listening to people. The SPSO has agreed that standard was not met.”

Robertson said the council operates a diverse and complex range of public services but “sometimes we fall short and may make mistakes”.

He added: “While the SPSO recognised the challenging circumstances and compressed timescales within which the consultation was undertaken, it concluded that aspects of the planning, conduct and reporting of the consultation fell below the standard that consultees were entitled to expect and we are sorry about that.”

The chief executive said they would implement recommendations and of the watchdog.

He added: “While we do accept the shortcomings in the process we followed, it is important to note that all of the five nurseries involved now have arrangements, co-produced with local parents, that have ensured they remain open providing high quality early years learning experiences for children.”