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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

Welcome. This system contains information about published delegated executive decisions, including exemptions.

Decision Number: 0005 2013/14

Executive Portfolio:
Schools and Lifelong Learning
Decision Number:
0005 2013/14
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
Parr
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Increase in Maintained Nursery School Places
Summary of Decision:
To increase pupil places at the Maintained Nurseries in Parr from September 2013: Broad Oak - From 52 to 65 Allanson Street - From 52 to 60 Holy Spirit - From 26 to 30
Proposed Decision:
On the request of the headteachers and approval by the Governing Bodies of each school it is proposed to increase the number of pupil places at nursery schools in Parr.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
All 3 schools have existing space and resources to manage increased numbers. Additional places will provide more efficient use of resources in provision of education. Projections suggest that there will be demand for additional places.
Reason for Decision:
Headteachers from all three schools have confirmed that they have sufficient space and resources to manage a permanent increase in nursery places. No physical changes or re-organisation of the school buildings will be required - no additional capital cost. Governing Bodies of the 3 schools have been consulted on the proposed change in nursery place numbers and no objections were received. Population projections based on the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and recent Birth numbers based on ONS data broken down by Ward, indicate increasing demand for nursery places in the Parr area (see background papers). All 3 nursery schools tend to fill up their places each year. Broad Oak and Allanson Street are already oversubscribed for Sept 2013 intake with waiting lists. Holy Spirit has only 2 vacancies but usually fills up in January or April intake. A private nursery in Parr received an Inadequate Ofsted Inspection rating in January. The LA does not fund free places at private nurseries unless satisfied with the quality of provision. This will affect capacity in the Parr area.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
Places remaining unfilled in Maintained Nurseries.
Measures to Redress Risk:
Schools have been advised that we cannot guarantee sufficient demand for places, as nurseries operate within a competitive environment. Parental choice will play a key role in where nursery places remain unfilled. Schools will need to maintain high quality provision and market the nursery offer effectively to ensure that places are filled.
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
Attachments:
None