Leeds City Council has now completed the review of the Little Owls nurseries. The review aimed to ensure the long-term sustainability of high-quality, inclusive early years education across the city, especially in areas of greatest need.
The review included:
- public consultation and engagement with families, staff and trade unions,
- A business opportunity exercise to identify alternative providers, including schools, private, and third sector organisations
- sufficiency assessments to understand demand and viability across each setting
Nine Little Owls nurseries were initially confirmed to remain under council management:
- Chapeltown
- New Bewerley
- Little London
- Harehills
- Swarcliffe
- Seacroft
- Middleton Laurel Bank
- Two Willows
- Armley Moor
Following the conclusion of the review, nine additional Little Owls nurseries will also continue to operate under the leadership and management of Leeds City Council, after no suitable alternative provider was identified:
- Burley Park
- City & Holbeck
- Hunslet Rylestone
- Osmondthorpe
- Bramley
- Meanwood
- Hawksworth Wood
- Parklands
- Quarry Mount
Two Little Owls nurseries will now transfer to new providers following a successful business opportunity process:
- Rothwell
- Shepherds Lane
Both Leeds-based providers bring a wealth of experience in supporting young children and their families, along with a commitment to staff wellbeing. They have demonstrated their ability to deliver high-quality, inclusive childcare and early education and their application provided strong assurances regarding their capability to deliver a viable business model. The transition to these new providers will be progressed over several months. Leeds City Council will maintain oversight during the mobilisation period to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Discussions are ongoing with Hunslet St Mary’s CoE Primary Academy regarding the potential transfer of the Little Owls nursery setting on the school site:
- Hunslet St Mary’s
Three nurseries were previously closed in 2024 as part of an earlier phase of the review, which resulted in most children and staff transitioning to other local Little Owls nurseries, supporting the overall viability of the service:
- Chapel Allerton
- Kentmere
- Gipton North
Leeds City Council remains committed to transparent communication. Staff and trade unions have been kept informed throughout, and families will continue to receive updates relevant to their nursery setting. Ongoing focussed work will follow at a setting level, to ensure that each of the retained Little Owls nurseries are as effective and efficient as they can be going forward.
For more details on the review, contact us at LittleOwlsReview@leeds.gov.uk.
