To seek approval to commence a statutory consultation required for the proposal to change the age range of Shillington Lower School to integrate a pre school provision. (Appendix B - Overview and Scrutiny Comments are to follow.)

That the statutory process for the proposal to change the age range of Shillington Lower School from 4-9 years to 2-9 years be approved by integrating a pre-school provision from September 2017, namely:

(i)      that publication of the statutory notice be approved;

(ii)     that the commence of formal consultation of at least four weeks be authorised; and

(iii)    that the proposal following the representation period of the statutory notice be determined by the Executive on the 4 April 2017.        

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that sought approval to commence a statutory consultation for the proposal to change the age range of Shillington Lower School, to integrate a pre-school provision following the closure of the previous pre-school on the last day of the Autumn school term 2016.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the village of Shillington has an early years facility.

RESOLVED

that the statutory process for the proposal to change the age range of Shillington Lower School from 4-9 years to 2-9 years be approved by integrating a pre-school provision from September 2017, namely:

(i)      that publication of the statutory notice be approved;

(ii)     that the commence of formal consultation of at least four weeks be authorised; and

(iii)    that the proposal following the representation period of the statutory notice be determined by the Executive on the 4 April 2017.           

This report seeks support for the proposed commencement of the statutory consultation required to change the age range of Shillington Lower School from 4–9 years to 2-9 years by integrating a pre school provision from September 2017

The school referred to within the report serves the Wards of Silsoe and Shillington.

The Executive Member for Education and Skills introduced a report which sought support for the commencement of a statutory consultation required to change the age range of Shillington Lower School. Members were advised of the importance of integrating early years provision in order to maximise children’s chances of being school ready.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·           That a written response be provided to the Committee regarding the necessary qualifications of nursery staff within the new structure.

·           The need to avoid a gap in service between the closure of pre schools and opening of new provision during future restructures.

·           That schools carry out due financial diligence, and ensure a sound financial model before implementing future restructures.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee support the proposed changes and that the Executive ensure that a focus be placed on the financial implications of future structural changes to schools.