Parents have united to protest about the proposed council nursery closures.

There are just 14 council-run nurseries left in Birmingham and they tend to be used by low income families who have no alternative but to use the free subsidised provision.

The GMB union, which represents the nursery workers, revealed the potential nursery closures and council bosses are saying that one option may be to shut them down due to the nurseries running at a deficit.

More than 30 parents and kids held a protest at Park Road Community Day Nursery in Sparkhill on Saturday November 25 to show council bosses just how much they care about their nursery and how they don’t want it to close.

Parents and children at Park Road Community Day Nursery in Sparkhill protesting about proposed nursery closures

Mum of two Saima Suleman grew up in Sparkhill and used the Park Road services when her children, now aged eight and five, were younger.

“When I found out the council were planning to close 14 centres I decided to start this campaign,” said Saima, who is also chair of a voluntary community organisation called British Kashmiri Women’s Council.

“As a working parent I know how hard it is to find affordable local children which is why I can’t understand why the council wants to close nurseries that are rated good by Ofsted.

“Parents are furious that they were not consulted. Some fear they will have to give up their jobs because they will not be able to afford private childcare.

“We are planning more protests and our petition has already got 100 signatures from parents and families of children who attend Park Road.

“Parents will not stop protesting until their nursery is saved!”

Parents and children at Park Road Community Day Nursery in Sparkhill protesting about proposed nursery closures

The Park Road centre has 10 members of staff and 50 children.

It provides day care to children aged 0-5 years old and specialist care to children with disabilities.

The centre is also used by community midwifes to provide pregnancy health care.

Asma, one of the parents whose daughter currently attends the nursery, said: “My daughter loves attending nursery and the staff are brilliant.

“I was going to start work as an exam invigilator in January now I’m worried I will have to give up my job if the nursery closes.

“I am so shocked and angry that the council are planning to close this nursery. They didn’t even consult us.

“We will continue to campaign not just for our nursery but all the 14 nurseries that the council plan to close!”

Oaklands Park Community Day Nursery, Boughton Road, South Yardley

Click here for a list of proposed closures

Last week, a council spokeswoman said: “The nurseries are running at a deficit and this is set to continue as there are simply not enough users.

“This is not sustainable in the current financial climate.

“There are enough other nursery settings available meaning council-run provision is not a necessity.”

When asked if that meant all the council-run nurseries were likely to close, she said: “We are looking to consult on that as one option.”

In 2010 the city had 26 council-run nurseries, then 12 were closed which left 14 scheduled for closure in 2015.

Kitts Green Community Day Nursery, Ridpool Road, Kitts Green

Due to a GMB dispute, this was prevented but now the nurseries are under threat again.

GMB is asking the council to reconsider the union’s plans to save the nurseries by making them self sustainable.

Iman, another parent who uses the Park Road centre, added: “My three-year-old son has been attending the nursery for one year now. He has a disability and needs specialist care, I am so worried if the nursery closes there I will really struggle to find anywhere close by with the same level of care.”

Maria’s three-year-old daughter also attends the nursery. She said “My daughter loves the staff and nursery.

“I have a two-year-old daughter as well and was hoping she would get a place here as well but now I’m really stressed out.”

Birmingham Mail Christmas campaign with the NSPCC

One in four children who call Childline can't get through due to demand on the service.

That's why we've launched a campaign to try to help Childline be there for every young person who desperately needs support.

A £4 text donation can help a counsellor answer a child’s call. And it may save their life.

Please spare a thought for children in need in Birmingham as you enjoy the run up to Christmas.

Donate £4 by texting ‘NSPCC 4’ to 70030 or visiting nspcc.org.uk/mail

To donate £12, text ‘NSPCC 12’ or to donate £20, text ‘NSPCC 20’ to 70030.

Text costs include your donation plus your standard network rate. The NSPCC will receive 100 per cent of your donation.

Thank you

The community day nurseries threatened with closure:

• Golden Start Community Day Nursery, Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath

• Kitts Green Community Day Nursery, Ridpool Road, Kitts Green

• Soho Road Community Day Nursery, Louise Road, Handsworth

• Summerfield Community Day Nursery, Cape Street, Winson Green

• Bertram Road Community Day Nursery, Bertram Road, Small Heath

• Sunshine Community Day Nursery, Anthony Road Children’s Centre, Anthony Road, Alum Rock

• Lime Tree Community Day Nursery, Heathfield Road, Handsworth

• Park Road Community Day Nursery, Park Road, Sparkhill/ Sparkbrook

• Reameadow Community Day Nursery, River Brook Drive, Stirchley

• Oaklands Park Community Day Nursery, Boughton Road, South Yardley

• Cherry Tree Community Day Nursery, Graham Street, Lozells

• Birchfield Community Day Nursery, Haughton Road, Handsworth

• St Benedict’s Community Day Nursery, St Benedicts Road, Small Heath

• There is potentially one more nursery which GMB has not been able to identify as yet

• There are lots of great things to do with kids in Birmingham for free. To keep updated, like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page. You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter

Birmingham Mail Light Up Christmas for Children campaign with the NSPCC

Spare a thought for kids in need in Birmingham as you enjoy the run up to Christmas.

The Birmingham Mail has launched a campaign to try to help Childline be there for every young person who desperately needs support.

Donate £4 by texting ‘NSPCC 4’ to 70030 or visiting nspcc.org.uk/mail

To donate £12, text ‘NSPCC 12’ or to donate £20, text ‘NSPCC 20’ to 70030.

Text costs include your donation plus your standard network rate. The NSPCC will receive 100 per cent of your donation.