Content

8.1

The
Head of Commissioning introduced the report which set out the next
steps in following the Making Significant Changes, (Prescribed
Alterations) statutory process for Springfield Nursery’s
proposed permanent closure. It also provided an analysis of the
results following the six-week formal consultation process
undertaken in relation to the proposal, which was set to follow
statutory process but also to allow for the half term holidays in
October, alongside setting out the final recommendation for
Springfield School’s Nursery’s future.
 

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education,
Children and Families Policy Committee:-
 

a.   
Note the results analysis of the six-week formal consultation
feedback.

b.   
Approve and agree the recommended decision of permanently closing
Springfield Nursery, in line with the statutory process Making
significant changes (prescribed alterations') to maintained
schools.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

Permanent closure of the nursery at Springfield School and
continued use of the space to support the community, linked to
Family Hubs, Start for Life and wraparound care is recommended
because it:
 
·      
Allows the school to focus on meeting the complex needs of their
Reception to Year 6 pupils with increasing SEND/EAL needs, by
redirecting financial resource. Meaning that children are supported
by a ‘good’ school where they can thrive to fulfil
their educational potential.
·      
Provides a great community asset to use for community and family
support in an area of high need and deprivation, such as the health
and family learning workshops currently being held. This will
enable the community to feel valued and supported, whilst tackling
inequalities and celebrating the diversity of the
community.
·      
Prevents further deficit to the school’s budget so that they
can ensure financial resource is further invested into meeting the
needs of their pupils to become a high performing primary
school.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

Alternative Option 1:
 
Reopen as was prior to the temporary closure (up
to 52 places over 2 sessions) – rejected for the following
reasons:
 

·      
No evidence of immediate/short-term demand to fill
enough places for the nursery to be financially
sustainable.

·      
All efforts to make existing provision viable have
been exhausted.

·      
Further negative impact on school budget, increasing
deficit.

8.4.2

Alternative Option 2:

 
Reopen
and extend the age range to take 2-year-olds – rejected for
the following reasons:
·      
No evidence of immediate/short-term
demand.
·      
Additional resource requirements for 2-year-olds and
increased staffing demand (ratios/leadership and management time).
Physical environment would need to be adapted for 2-year-olds
– capital investment required.
·      
Risk that would not be financially
viable.
·      
Distraction from core mission of become a high
performing primary school.
·      
Threat of redundancies if no demand for
places.