Introduction

We are consulting with parents, carers, staff, governors and other stakeholders on a proposal to lower the school's age range to enable the opening of a nursery provision for children aged 3 to 4 years.

This consultation is an opportunity for all stakeholders to share their views before any final decision is taken. We welcome feedback from everyone, including those who do not currently have children of nursery age, as the proposal has the potential to benefit the whole school community.

Why are we proposing this change?

We are committed to providing the best possible educational opportunities for children and families within our community. We believe that introducing a nursery would strengthen our early years provision and create a seamless educational journey from the age of three through to eleven. The government is seeking schools in areas that require more nursery places to apply for funding to enable this.

By lowering the school's age range and opening a nursery, we hope to:

• Provide high-quality education and care for children from the age of three.
• Offer a smooth and consistent transition into Reception, allowing children to become familiar with the school environment, routines and staff before starting compulsory education.
• Support children's early learning and development, giving them the best possible start to their education.
• Enable families with siblings to have their children educated on the same school site where possible.
• Make school drop-off and collection more convenient for parents and carers by reducing the need to travel to multiple settings.
• Strengthen relationships between families and the school from an earlier stage in their child's educational journey.
• Enhance continuity in learning by ensuring that teaching and support build progressively from nursery through to Year 6.
• Increase opportunities for children to develop friendships and confidence within a familiar and nurturing environment before beginning Reception.

What do we hope to achieve?

If approved, the proposal would allow us to:

• Extend our educational provision to children aged 3 to 11 years.
• Provide a high-quality nursery environment that reflects the values and standards of our school.
• Improve children's readiness for school through high-quality early years education.
• Support working families by providing an additional local nursery option.
• Strengthen our role within the local community by offering education from the earliest stages of a child's learning journey.
• Create a smooth transition into Reception, helping children settle more quickly and confidently.

Impact Statement

We have considered the likely impact of this proposal on children, families, staff and the wider community.

Potential benefits

• Children will benefit from earlier access to high-quality education in a safe, familiar and stimulating environment.
• Children will experience a more consistent educational journey, with improved continuity between nursery and Reception.
• Families with more than one child may benefit from having siblings attend the same school, making daily routines and travel easier.
• Parents and carers will have the opportunity to build relationships with the school from an earlier stage.
• The school will be able to support children's learning and development from age three, helping to establish strong foundations for future success.
• The local community will benefit from increased early years provision and greater parental choice.

Considerations

Should the proposal proceed, careful planning will ensure that:

• Nursery provision is appropriately staffed by qualified early years professionals.
• Indoor and outdoor learning environments are suitable for younger children.
• The needs of existing pupils continue to be fully met.
• The nursery operates in line with statutory Early Years Foundation Stage requirements.
• Any changes are managed carefully to minimise disruption to existing school provision.

Have Your Say

Your views are important to us and will help inform our decision.

Please complete a short survey Consultation for a Nursery at St Mary's – Fill in form

Thank you for taking the time to consider this consultation. Your feedback will play an important role in helping us determine whether lowering the school's age range and opening a nursery provision is the right decision for our pupils, families and the wider school community.