Scottish Borders nurseries face mothballing over low numbers

A council has revealed plans to close another six nurseries this summer due to low child numbers.

The local authority in the Scottish Borders said the sites across the region were operating at 50% capacity or below and should be mothballed.

It said that the nearest alternative provision was within two to seven miles away (3km to 11km) which it considered to be an “acceptable distance”.

If the moves are taken forward the council said it would carry out a consultation before any final decision was made.

A council report said a facility in Fountainhall had been shut this school year and it is proposed to remain mothballed.

A further six – Channelkirk in Oxton, Cockburnspath, Ednam in Kelso, Walkerburn, Westruther and Yetholm – are being recommended to be mothballed for 2025/26 due to falling numbers.

Consideration was also given to closing the doors at nurseries in Newcastleton, Gordon, Broughton and Coldingham but either increased rolls or recent investment have convinced education officers to recommend keeping the facilities open.

Andrew Oldham, a parent of a three-year-old at Yetholm nursery, criticised how the situation had been handled.

“It has been a bit shocking really – the lack of consultation,” he said.

“The fact that there are conversations being had in the council about the future of nurseries across the Borders and there has been zero mention to any parents, the people at the school, the staff.

“Nobody seems to be aware of this but yet it seems to be quite well advanced in terms of potential decisions being made.”

The proposals will go in front of executive committee councillors next week for approval.

If agreed they would go out to consultation before any closures took place.