A final decision on the future of a children’s nursery is set to be made by council leaders next month.

Southampton City Council said no financially viable solution could be found to keep Startpoint Sholing open.

The local authority carried out a public consultation throughout September and October over its plans to close down the provision.

The Ofsted-registered day nursery in Wood Close has been in operation for more than 20 years, currently offering 26 spaces for children from the age through to school age.

READ MORE: Woman begs Southampton City Council to keep Startpoint Sholing open

Cllr Alex Winning, cabinet member for children and learning, is expected to present a report seeking approval to close Startpoint Sholing at a meeting on November 26.

It is likely the responses given during the consultation will make up part of this report.

In the online consultation, the council said the early years funding that was provided by central government did not cover the costs of sustaining the nursery without the need for “significant” on-going council subsidies.

It added: “This is costing the council more and more each year and it has not been possible to identify a financially viable solution for the nursery.

“Due to the significant creation of new childcare places recently opened locally and further planned expansions for 2025, we believe there is a sufficient supply of good quality, inclusive, affordable and flexible childcare choices available in Southampton.

“Therefore, we are proposing to close the Startpoint Sholing Childcare Nursery.

“Due to the uncertainty about the nursery’s future, no new children have currently been offered a place for September to avoid any major disruption to a child’s early development.”

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According to the council’s website, the nursery team comprised of 26 staff and a five-strong leadership team, with the site including an extensive outside area.

Startpoint Sholing is one of 36 day nursery provisions currently listed online by the local authority.

The cabinet decision next month is deemed to be ‘key’ as it relates to more than £500,000 of expenditure.