Proposals to mothball two rural nurseries due to low demand are approved
Proposals to close two Angus nursery classes due to low demand for places have been approved by councillors.
Proposals to mothball the early learning classes (ELC) at Colliston and Cortachy went before a meeting of the Angus Council’s family, education and justice committee on Tuesday.
A report considered by members outlined that the previous uptake at Cortachy has been between five and eight children each year. However, for August 2026, there were just three children, while at Colliston, there were just two youngsters this year.
A consultation was carried out in August to seek the views of parents, the parent council, the community council and other interested parties in the area.
In Colliston, all 32 respondents opposed the idea, and all 19 respondents in Cortachy were also against the move.
Despite this, councillors unanimously approved plans to close both classes for three years from August 2027. Education chiefs said a very small nursery class at either location would not give children the expected quality of learning experience.
The council requires five applications to consider operating an ELC. On Tuesday, council education director Neil Lowden said there had been no new applications for Colliston or Cortachy for January 2027.
The proposals stop short of axing them altogether and leave the door open to them restarting if demand increases to five or more applications at either location.
During the meeting, council officers made assurances that the authority is “absolutely committed” to keeping applications for the classes open for parents who wish to apply.
Mr Lowden said: “There have been previous instances where we have received the five applications and we have re-registered the setting and re-opened the early learning and childcare class. I absolutely acknowledge that in our rural communities school rolls can significantly fluctuate. We want to retain the option of re-registering the class.”
SNP councillor Beth Whiteside said: “It’s understandable that there is concern. However, I think the keyword here is temporary, and I think the council has taken a total common-sense approach.”