Decision

To publish formal proposals to change the age range at South Ferriby Primary School from 5-11 to 3-11

Reasons for the decision

Permission is sought to implement the statutory procedure for changing the age range at South Ferriby Primary School. The governor board at South Ferriby primary school met on 18th May 2023 to discuss the information the school had received that the pre-school in the village was closing at the end of the Summer term 2023. The Head outlined a plan to consult parents on extending the age range at the school to include nursery age children. Governors discussed the implications of the proposal and agreed to support further consultation with existing and prospective parents. Under the DfE statutory guidance for making significant changes (‘prescribed alterations’) to maintained schools, the local authority is the decision maker for community schools. Changing the age range of a school to add a nursery is deemed a significant change and requires a formal procedure outlined in the table below:- In order to provide continuity of early years provision in the village, it is recommended that we forego the recommended (but not statutory) informal consultation period and enter into formal consultation.

Alternative options considered

Childminder EYFS provision is available in Horkstow but the provider has stated that she is currently full with a waiting list. The next nearest alternative EYFS provision is in excess of 2 miles from South Ferriby.