Activists in and around Aberfoyle are stressing suggested cuts to the local nursery could have a much wider impact on their community.
Strathard Community Council’s chair told the Observer he was “deeply concerned” about proposed budget savings put forward by Stirling Council officials to reduce teaching hours at the nursery.
More than 500 people have now signed a petition against the measures.
Parents and campaigners say cutting hours at the rural nursery will impact upon their ability to work, see the loss of a member of nursery staff and could even ultimately lead to the complete loss of the facility.
The plans are among a raft of ideas floated by Stirling Council officials in a bid to plug a £13million funding gap.
Community council chair Paul Mackintosh said reducing teaching hours at the local nursery would “undoubtedly have a significant impact on our community, particularly on our children’s education and overall well-being”.
He added: “Our school is not just a place of learning; it is a cornerstone of our community.
“Reducing teaching hours could lead to larger class sizes, diminished individual attention for pupils, and a potential decline in educational standards.
“This is particularly troubling for a rural area like Strathard, where access to educational resources is already limited.
“Moreover, the reduction in teaching hours may place additional strain on families, as parents may need to seek alternative childcare arrangements or educational support. This could have a ripple effect, impacting local businesses and the broader community.
“We urge Stirling Council to reconsider this proposal and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the community to explore alternative solutions that will not compromise the quality of education for our children.
“Our community’s future depends on the strength and success of our local school, and we must work together to ensure it remains a vibrant and supportive environment for all our children.”
Under council officers’ suggestions for Aberfoyle Nursery, petitioners say the service would be reduced from 8-6pm to 9-3pm Monday to Friday.
Parents would no longer be able to pay for extra hours/days beyond their government funded nursery hours and the service will probably only be provided during term time, 38 weeks, instead of 45.6 weeks per year currently.
They also say the nursery would probably lose at least one member of staff.
One petitioner said she was “shocked” by the proposed cuts.
“I have children at the primary school who used this lovely nursery and now my youngest is set to start.
“These cuts to hours and only term time means I will need to look for other childcare during holidays.
“The reality is I will likely meed to go to a nursery miles away if there is space so I can keep my job.
“There is a big need for this resource. It makes no sense with the big intake this year.
“I really hope we can stop this. I want my toddler to go here so he can transition to school where his siblings are – but with no childcare for holidays what choice are we left with.”
As well as slashing the music service, cuts to school counselling, reducing support staff, axing out-of-school care, cutting library opening times, removing the garden waste concession, slashing funding to Stirling Community Enterprise and Stirling Citizen’s Advice Bureau and increases to charges for cemetery and burial services have also been suggested.
Councillors will have the final say on budget plans but depute council leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, has warned that, with the authority facing a £12.938m budget gap in 2025-26 alone, some “tough choices” still need to be made.
A Stirling Council spokesperson said last week: “The council faces an estimated budget shortfall of £13 million next year where a number of difficult decisions will need to be made.
“Elected members will make a final decision on what proposed savings should be taken forward at this year’s budget setting meeting this month following an extensive public consultation, which saw over 4,300 people take part in two surveys.”
See change.org/p/save-aberfoyle-nursery.