Agenda, decisions and minutes

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/157

Contact: Debra Rouget, Sufficiency & Access Manager: Early Years & Childcare Tel: (01865) 810617

Report by Director for Children’s Services (CMDE4).

Bampton Primary School has completed the first section of the scheme for applying to open a Foundation Stage Unit (new nursery class) through the County Council Scheme. If approved this will allow the School to publish statutory notices to lower the age range at which they admit pupils from 4 to 3 years of age.

Most of the pupils who attend the school have had their pre school experience in Bampton Pre-school which is on the School site. Both the School and the pre school work closely in partnership to ensure smooth transitions for children.

The School Headteacher wants to further improve the provision, continuity and learning for the youngest children and has the full support of the pre school staff in making this application. The school expect to employ the pre school staff to work in the new unit, although there may need to be a reduction due to current staffing levels in the school and the numbers of children taking up places. The school intends to offer childcare for 2 1/2 year olds to ensure this provision isn't lost with the closure of Bampton Pre-school. The school will register with Ofsted for this purpose.

The School has consulted governors, parents, partnership schools and private and voluntary pre school providers in the area on these proposals and no objections have been received.

The Cabinet Member for Education is RECOMMENDED to agree to the publication of statutory notices to take this proposal forward to the next formal phase.