Decision Maker: Education, Children and Families Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 4, 2025

Purpose:

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.