Issue - meetings
Proposed Closure of Ace Nursery
Meeting: 17/03/2026 - Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People (Item 31)
31 Proposed closure of Ace Nursery 
PDF 244 KB
Report by Director of Children’s Services (CMDCEYP5)
The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:
a. Approve the proposed closure of The Ace Centre Maintained Nursery School.
Additional documents:
- Annex 1 Ace Centre Nursery consultation responses, item 31
PDF 116 KB
- Annex 2 ACE Nursery Closure Public Notice, item 31
PDF 123 KB
- Annex 3 - ACE Nursery Closure FULL STATUTORY PROPOSAL, item 31
PDF 265 KB
Minutes:
The Cabinet Member considered a report which indicated that under Section 15 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, a local authority could propose the closure of all categories of maintained school. In this regard it was proposed to close the Ace Centre Maintained Nursery School.
The Ace Centre Nursery School was located on the Burford Road in the centre of Chipping Norton and is one of 7 maintained nursery schools across Oxfordshire. The proposal followed significant challenges faced by the nursery including a sustained and substantial reduction in pupil numbers, which has affected its financial and educational viability. There had been significant changes in leadership over the past four years with a new Headteacher and Governing body. The Headteacher also resigned during the Autumn term of 2025 and left on 31st December 2025.
The Council was also committed to ensuring that alternative early years’ provision remains available locally to minimise any impact on families and the wider community.
Resolved to:
a. Approve the proposed closure of The Ace Centre Maintained Nursery School.