41 (41) CONSULTATION FEEDBACK PROPOSAL TO CREATE NURSERY PROVISION AT OAKFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL – The Director: Learning, Skills and Culture submitted a report updating the Cabinet Member on the outcome of the consultation regarding the proposal to create nursery provision at Oakfield Primary School, and seeking approval to proceed to the next stage of the process and publish a public notice.
The Department of Education (DfE) made available capital funding to support the implementation of 30 hours free childcare for working parents of three and four year-olds. The council was successful in bidding for funding to extend the early years provision at Oakfield Primary School.
The local authority consulted with the Head Teacher and governing board prior to undertaking a consultation exercise with a wider group of stakeholders including parents. The consultation took place over a period of 6 April 2017 and 28 April 2017.
To implement the proposal to extend the age range of pupils at Oakfield Primary School to include nursery provision, the council must follow the DfE statutory guidance for making 'prescribed alterations' to maintained schools. This guidance set out the procedure for consultation, timescales and responsibilities for making decisions.
Resolved – That the proposal to proceed to the next stage in changing the age range of pupils at Oakfield Primary School by publishing a public notice, as set out in the report, be approved.