Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:  

1)    Duly considers the outcome of the consultation and responses received;

2)    Agrees that the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School be changed from 3-7 to 2-7 years.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education introduced a report proposing to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School. It was corrected by the Cabinet Member that the school currently served children aged 3 to 7, as it was an infant and nursery school rather than up to primary school age of 11 as shown in the report and recommendation, and that the intention was to extend provision to include two year olds, creating an age range of 2 to 7.

The proposal had been brought forward in response to growing demand for funded early years education and childcare, particularly for two year olds now entitled to up to 15 hours of funded provision. Offering places within a school environment would give parents additional choice alongside private and voluntary sector nurseries.

An addendum was included to reflect the comments of the Children, Families and Education Select Committee from 7 January. The Committee noted that lowering the age range would increase childcare options in Ruislip and surrounding areas and help address the local shortfall in provision. While recognising that existing childcare providers might have concerns about increased competition, the Committee highlighted that the school would operate a different model, offering term time only provision.

Cabinet noted the rationale and agreed the proposed age range change as updated and recommended by the Cabinet Member.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have maintained the current age range or have established a separate early years unit but discounted these for a variety of reasons as set out in the report.