Nursery Consultation
Introduction
St Thomas' Primary School is seeking to open a 15 place nursery for three year olds form September 2025. This consultation document sets out the proposals. In order for school to do this, it is necessary for the school to change its provision from 4-11 to 3-11 years old. By doing this, St Thomas' would be able to offer nursery provision for three and four year olds
The Purpose of this Consultation Document
The purpose of this document is to provide information relating to the proposals and to seek the views of parents and the wider community to enable an informed decision to be made.
Objectives of the Proposal
Maintained nursery setting are based on school sites. They offer teacher supported learning through play based around the early years foundation curriculum for 3- 4 year olds before starting school. The proposals offer an exciting opportunity for provision for 3 and 4 years on site, making the transition to St Thomas' C.E. Primary School seamless.
St Thomas' C.E. Primary School is a Voluntary Aided school with 128 pupils in roll from reception to year 6. The current age range is 4-11 years and does nit include nursery provision. The school is also consulting on reducing PAN form 21 to 15, to account for the falling birth rate with effect from September 2026. As a result, the school has additional capacity to add a 15 FTE 3 year old provision.
This provision will contribute to the Local Authority's Early Help agenda , in a part of the borough were deprivation levels are increasing. The objectives and benefits to the school are as follows:
To facilitate better transition for the children.
The school currently takes form a number of settings, which does not allow for efficient transfer of information between settings and can lead to emotional and social difficulties when starting school.
Early identification on vulnerable groups.
Identified speech and communication difficulties can be addressed sooner.
There will be continuity of provision.
Current parents have expressed a desire for a nursery on site.
Developing strong links with families form the earliest opportunities.
Ease of access for families who already know the school
The reduction of PAN and addition of nursery provision will allow the school to set its class structure moving forward so that it enhances the curriculum provision and avoids the need to split year groups. This will lead to s settled structure.
We Welcome Your Support
This is an opportunity for parents, staff, the local community and those that have an interest n the school to respond to ask questions about the proposal to establish an onsite nursery.
The consolation period starts on Wednesday 18th December 2024 and finishes at midnight on Wednesday 29th January 2025. You can state whether you support the proposals or not by clicking on the link below:
If you have any other questions about the proposed nursery, please contact the school office on 01706 847093 or via email office@stthomasnewhey.co.uk
All views will be considered after the consultation ends by the Governing Board.
What Happens Next?
The final decision will be made by the Governing Board. The process for making significant changes to maintained schools can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-organisation-maintained-schools
It is anticipated the opening of nursery provision will not require any additional accommodation or teaching groups and will require only minor staffing changes.
The nursery will be funded through EYNFF15 and 30 hour funding. It is also anticipated that some funding will come form the Early Years Supplementary Grant and Early Years Pupil Premium.
The class which will be a nursery/reception class is expected to open in September 2025.