Content

12.1

The
Strategic Commissioning manager introduced the report which which
explained that due to a reduction in the number of children taking
up a place in its nursery provision over several years, governors
at Springfield School decided to temporarily close the nursery in
September 2023. A temporary closure is possible for 2 years only,
before the nursery must reopen or close permanently.
It also
explained that following a review of the nursery and engagement
with the school, a permanent closure is recommended. It was stated
that in order to do this, the Making Significant Changes,
(Prescribed Alterations) statutory process, would be followed,
which includes a period of consultation. Approval is sought from
committee to go ahead with that process.

12.2

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

Agree
to publish a statutory proposal to close the nursery permanently,
in line with the statutory process for prescribed alterations. A
four-week formal consultation will then take place.
Note
that a final decision regarding the future of the nursery will be
made by Committee, within two months of the consultation
closing.

12.3

Reasons for Decision

12.3.1

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.

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

12.4.1

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.
 

12.4.2

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.