Purpose

Report of the Cabinet Member for Children and
Learning seeking approval for proposals related to Valentine
Primary School

Decision

Having complied with paragraph 15 of the
Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.
 
(i) 
To approve extending the age range of Valentine Primary School from
4 – 11 years to 0 – 11years of age by opening a
school-based nursery operating from the school site.
(ii) 
To approve the addition of up to £119,000 capital grant
awarded by the DfE into the Council’s Capital programme.
(iii) 
To approve the spend of up to £119,000 capital grant award,
in line with the grant terms and conditions and MOU.

Reasons for the decision

Southampton City Council has a Statutory Duty
under the Childcare Acts 2006 and 2016 to ensure that there is the
sufficient supply of high quality, affordable and flexible
childcare choices available, in response to changes in parental
demands. From September 2025 the government will launch the final
stage of the biggest ever expansion of childcare by extending the
funded early years places, up to 30hrs a week for children aged
from 9 months old. The Council has been working closely with
existing and prospective childcare providers including
childminders, to encourage and support the expansion of new
targeted places in response to termly demand changes. The
school’s proposal to develop their own nursery, including
those aged from birth not only fully fulfils the Council’s
statutory obligations, but also supports the local community and
national government policy. It ensures through a proven track
record that local children will have access to the highest quality
services available to them. The proposal also supports the
Council’s wider 10-year Strategic City and Corporate Plans.
Lastly, unlike stand alone nurseries
such as Startpoint Sholing, the
economies of scale having the nursery linked to a school, ensures a
sustainable operating model that is integral to the school’s
budget deficit plan. Furthermore, the outcome of the recent public
consultation on these proposals, highlights that over 81% of
respondents fully support the proposals with 72% strongly.agreeing their support.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing. This option was rejected given the
overwhelming benefits this additional provision can bring.