Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 3, 2024

Purpose:

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.