ONE of Sunderland's oldest nursery schools could close as the city council looks at reshuffling nursery provision in Wearside.

Under proposals to go before Sunderland City Council's cabinet on Wednesday, Cork Street Community Nursery School - the city's first nursery school - will shut, along with Oxclose Community Nursery School, in Washington.

Instead, ten nursery classes would be built at Wearside schools.

The council said the changes were necessary because provision for pre-school children in the city was inconsistent.

Terry Walsh, head of standards and quality service for Sunderland Local Education Authority, said: "In some parts of the city, children can take up a part-time place the day after their third birthday in their local nursery.

"In others, children can only access a place in September. This review has attempted to introduce a fairness to the system, by allocating places according to need."

Governors and staff at Cork Street Community Nursery, which opened in 1935, said they would submit a case against closure to the council.

Headteacher Jill Sansome said: "I can say on behalf of governors and staff, that we're very disappointed at this proposition."

Under the council's plan, four new nursery classes would be ready for next September, at Burnside Primary School, in Houghton-le-Spring, Biddick Primary School, in Washington, St John Bosco RC Primary, at Town End Farm, Sunderland and St Mary's RC Primary School, in Meadowside, Sunderland.

A further six nursery classes would be due to open in September 2005.

If councillors agree to the reshuffle, there will be a formal consultation process.

A final decision will be made on December 3.