Stalybridge Primary and Nursery Places Review
Consultation Paper

Review of primary school places

Tameside Council is working through a process of reviewing primary school places on an area basis. This has already been completed in other areas of the borough and commenced in Stalybridge in the autumn term, 2006.

The need to review primary school places

We are undertaking this review of primary school places because of falling birth rates across the borough. Fewer children have been coming into our primary schools over recent years. This means we have a lot of “surplus places”. The Council has a statutory responsibility under the Education Act 1996, to secure sufficient and suitable places for pupils in its area. In addition, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) places a duty on Local Authorities to specifically consider action in relation to surplus places. The Council is required by the DfES to collect information on the number of schools with more than 25% surplus capacity and more than 30 surplus places, and have regard to schools with more than 10 % surplus places. Local Authorities are asked to report annually on the number of surplus places in individual schools and to explain what they propose to do about schools that have too few pupils on roll for the size of school. Schools in this situation incur disproportionately high unit costs on the maintenance of the building. In undertaking the duty to consider action in relation to surplus places, Services for Children and Young People is working through a process of review of primary school provision in Tameside.

It is important to stress that the options put forward in this consultation paper do not represent a final decision. They are options for consultation on ways to achieve a reduction in surplus places in Stalybridge and are based on objective criteria. The consultation options balance a range of factors that are pertinent to the area. They consider the significant decrease in numbers since 1990 when birth rates in Tameside were at their peak; the increase in the birth rate in the area over the last two years; the increase in new housing; educational standards; and the specific geography of the area.

Objectives of the review

The main objectives of the review are:

• To reduce the number of surplus places by considering the balance between the supply and projected demand of school places
• To review the provision of nursery places
• To maximise the efficient and effective use of resources

The review will take into account

• The need to raise standards
• The demand for places in particular localities
• The need to maintain appropriate levels of denominational provision
• The need to ensure that resources are used cost effectively
• Key stage 1 class sizes
• The range of early years provision currently available

Scope of this review

Within Stalybridge, there are six community primary, one community infant, one community junior, one voluntary controlled Church of England primary and two voluntary aided Roman Catholic primary schools. The voluntary aided Roman Catholic primary schools are included in this review in respect of nursery provision. With regard to school places, any issues regarding pupil numbers will be discussed with the relevant diocese, the schools and their governors.

Current Pupil Numbers

The birth rate in Tameside fell by 25% between 1991 and 2000. This downward trend in births has been mirrored by primary school admission numbers for the same period. There has been a slight upward turn in the birth rate in Tameside overall since 2000 which is concentrated in certain areas of the borough. The trend in births and admissions that is affecting Tameside as a whole has been mirrored in the data for Stalybridge. The birth rate has risen in Stalybridge over the last six years but is still at 14.5% less than the birth rate in 1990, when numbers where at their peak.

Capacity of schools

The net capacity of a school is the number of pupil places available. By comparison with the number on roll, it can indicate the number of places that are surplus, or additional places that are needed in a school. When it is divided by the number of year groups, it indicates the admission number that can generally be accommodated. For primary schools, the net capacity is calculated on the basis of the number and size of spaces designated as ‘classbases'. This is checked against the total usable space available, which must be measured, and ensures that there is neither too much nor too little space available to support the core teaching activities. The method also allows some flexibility to suit the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and admission arrangements.

Based on net capacity, there are currently 2507 places in the nine Stalybridge community primary schools and 2,057 pupils on roll based on the January 2006 census. This represents a combined surplus capacity of approximately 18%. In all 11 primary schools in Stalybridge including the two voluntary aided Roman Catholic primary schools, there are 2,843 places and 2,404 pupils on roll. This represents a combined surplus capacity across all schools of 15%. Eight of the nine community primary schools have surplus capacity ranging from 7% to 40%. The table below shows the current provision of places at each school and the level of surplus places.

Numbers as at January 2006

Predicted Pupil Numbers

The table below shows how the number of pupils entering Stalybridge primary schools is predicted to increase slightly over the next few years in line with the birth rate. This however, is not expected to be an on going increase in birth rates, rather that birth rates are likely to level out over the next few years. Predicted numbers are based on birth rate figures from the health authority. An assumption has been made that the Roman Catholic primary schools will continue to be filled to capacity

All Stalybridge community and voluntary controlled primary schools

The birth rate in all Stalybridge wards has risen by 16% since 2000, but this still represents an overall reduction of 14.5% since 1990 when birth rates in Tameside were at their peak. This means that there will be an increase in pupils coming into Stalybridge primary schools from 2007. Current indications show that there is likely to be an increase of approximately 50 pupils across all 11 schools coming into reception classes in 2007 and in 2008. This on its own, will not reduce surplus capacity in schools as the table below shows. This is because the number of pupils leaving schools is still greater than the number of pupils entering schools for several years.

All Stalybridge community and voluntary controlled primary schools

In summary, the amount of surplus places in schools will remain, until there is a sustained period of years in which the numbers of children joining schools is greater than the numbers leaving.

Situation at individual schools

Due to the specific geographical considerations within Stalybridge, the proposals are grouped in four areas.

Ridgehill area

Two schools are situated in the Ridgehill area, Arlies Primary School and Ridgehill Primary School and Nursery. They are surrounded by a mixture of owner occupied and residential social landlord housing. The pupil admissions for Arlies and Ridgehill schools overlap with many pupils living around Ridgehill attending Arlies and vice versa. Some priority personnel housing for nearby Tameside Hospital offering 25 one bedroom flats are being built currently and a further 17 three bedroom houses are being built for sale in the area. There is little prospect of other new housing as there is limited space for new development.

Arlies Primary School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 45 and a current surplus capacity of 31% based on a net capacity of 300. This is the second largest surplus capacity in Stalybridge. The school has classes of 30 or less in all but one of the year groups (Year 6) with numbers ranging from 20 to 32. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 20. The school recently carried out a managed reduction in staffing and operates as a one form entry school. It has three empty classrooms one of which is currently used as a big play area for Foundation Stage pupils. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 11.8%.

The school is situated in the Stalybridge North ward and is in close proximity to Ridgehill Primary School (0.54 miles walking distance). The stable population in the surrounding area has contributed to the school's low admission numbers compared to its Published Admission Number. The school has nursery provision on site in a separate building from the main school building. This provision is registered for 52 children (26 FTE) and currently has 34 children. The school does not currently offer before or after school clubs.

The school has spent much of its devolved capital budget on refurbishments including a new roof and new windows. There are two demountable classrooms that are in need of some repair, one of which is used as a community room.

The school was last inspected in February 2006 when the overall inspection judgement was that Arlies provides a satisfactory standard of education with some good features.

Ridge Hill Primary School and Nursery

The school has a Published Admission Number of 60 and a current surplus capacity of 28% based on a net capacity of 420. This is one of the largest surplus capacities in Stalybridge. The school has 45 or less in all year groups with numbers ranging from 36 to 43. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 36. The school recently carried out a managed reduction in staffing and operates as a one and a half form entry school. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 7.3%.

The school is situated in the Stalybridge North ward and is in close proximity to Arlies Primary School (0.54 miles walking distance). The stable population in the surrounding area has contributed to the school's low admission numbers compared to its Published Admission Number. The school has nursery provision on site in a separate building from the main school building. This provision is registered for 60 children (30 FTE) and currently has 46 children. A new Children's Centre is currently being built on site. This will offer a 56 place nursery for age 0 to 5. The school currently does not offer before or after school clubs.  

The accommodation in the junior building has some problems with plumbing. The infant building has accessibility issues as it covers several different levels. The whole site is built on ash that is still moving, however, the buildings have been under-pinned and this is constantly monitored. There is a demountable on site that is currently used by Children's Centre staff and this will be removed when the new building is completed.

The school was last inspected in September 2002 when the overall inspection judgement was that Ridge Hill provides a good standard of education.

Conclusions

Both Arlies and Ridgehill schools have high surplus capacity currently (31% at Arlies and 28% at Ridgehill) and there is little prospect of significant additional housing generating additional pupils in the area. The demand for places is, therefore, likely to remain static for the foreseeable future. Both schools have relatively high mobility rates. Ridgehill Primary School has access issues in the infant block.

The governing body of Arlies Primary School have asked to reduce their Published Admission Number as part of the consultation on admission arrangements for 2008. They have asked to reduce from 45 to 30.

There is the potential to reduce the net capacity of both schools using existing accommodation for extended school activity and/or remodelling space to improve the buildings and use of space thereby reducing the net capacity.

Huddersfield Road corridor

There are five schools along the Huddersfield Road corridor. They are Wildbank and St Paul's at the Stalybridge end and Buckton Vale, Millbrook and St Raphael's towards Mossley.

The pupil admissions for all five schools can be seen as interlinking circles along Huddersfield Road, with St Raphael's attracting pupils from a wider parish area. The pupil admissions for Buckton Vale and Millbrook overlap with many pupils living around Millbrook attending Buckton Vale and vice versa. Millbrook and Buckton Vale share the intake from the Buckton Castle estate. There has been new housing development in the Buckton Vale / Carrbrook area and a further 123 houses and 82 flats have been granted planning permission. Recently completed new housing in the area hasn't yet resulted in many extra pupils joining nearby primary schools. Millbrook also attracts some pupils from the same areas as Wildbank, particularly children living on the Brushes estates. Wildbank and St Paul's attract from the same areas that overlap at the Stalybridge end of the Huddersfield Road corridor, particularly the Copley and Brushes estates. This area has seen some new development and a further 55 three bedroom houses and 62 two bedroom flats have been granted planning permission in the Copley / Millbrook area.

Buckton Vale Primary School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 40 and a current surplus capacity of 13% based on a net capacity of 280. The school has classes of 40 or less in all but one of the year group (Year 3) with numbers ranging from 25 to 40. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 34. The school operates mixed age classes throughout the school, which is organised on a year by year basis. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 5.7%.

The school is situated in the Stalybridge North ward and is in close proximity to Millbrook Primary School (0.66 miles walking distance). The school does not have maintained nursery provision, however, a private provider (Bright Futures) has provision on site for 0 – 5 year olds. Bright Futures has 79 registered places with no more than 27 places for under 2's, and has a current occupancy as of September 2006 of 23 three year olds and no four year olds. Bright Futures also offer before and after school provision. Historically, mainstream nursery provision has been shared with Millbrook where provision is registered for 60 places (30 FTE).

The school has a newly built moderate learning difficulty (MLD) Resource Base that was opened in September 2006. The school currently has one pupil using the Resource Base but this will increase throughout the year. A new classroom has been added to accommodate projected increases in pupil numbers from new housing in the area. The new housing hasn't yet resulted in many extra pupils.

The school was last inspected in May 2006 when the overall inspection judgement was that Buckton Vale provides a good standard of education.

Millbrook Primary School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 30 and a current surplus capacity of 40% based on a net capacity of 210. This is the largest surplus capacity in Stalybridge. The school has classes of 20 or less in all but one of the year groups (Year 4) with numbers ranging from 15 to 23. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 15. The school operates mixed age classes throughout the school that are organised on a year by year basis. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 11.9% .In 2005/06, this mobility was all pupils moving into the school with no one leaving.

The school is situated in the Stalybridge North ward and is in close proximity to Buckton Vale Primary School (0.66 miles walking distance). The school has maintained nursery provision, where provision is registered for 60 places (30 FTE) and currently has 48 children. This has historically been seen as a community nursery that is shared with Buckton Vale. The neighbouring St Raphael's RC Primary School also has a maintained nursery. The school does not offer after school provision as there is no space to do this as the school runs after school classes.

A new reception area has recently been added to the school and devolved capital has been used to refurbish the building including replacing windows.

The school was last inspected in June 2006 when the overall inspection judgement was that Millbrook provides an outstanding standard of education.

St Paul 's C of E Primary School

St Paul 's is a voluntary controlled primary school within the Chester diocese.

The school has a Published Admission Number of 45 and a current surplus capacity of 11% based on a net capacity of 315. The school has year groups ranging from 35 to 46 with four year groups having 40 or less. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 42. The school operates mixed age classes throughout the school. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 8.5%.

The school is situated in the Stalybridge South ward and is in close proximity to Wild Bank Primary School (0.53 miles walking distance). The school does not have maintained nursery provision, however, a private provider (Chatterbox Nursery) has provision nearby for 0 – 5 year olds. Chatterbox has 124 registered places with no more than 48 places for under 2's and a current occupancy of 15 three year olds and no four year olds. Before and after school provision is provided by a private provider off site and pupils are collected from the school. Historically, mainstream nursery provision has been shared with Wild Bank where provision is registered for 60 places (30 FTE).

The school has recently been remodelled with a new classroom extension built and the other two buildings refurbished.

The school was last inspected in May 2005 when the overall inspection judgement was that St Paul's provides a satisfactory standard of education.

Wild Bank Community School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 20 and a current surplus capacity of 27% based on a net capacity of 142. This is one of the largest surplus capacities in Stalybridge. The school has year groups of 20 or less in all but one of the year groups (Year 6) with numbers ranging from 24 to 7. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 7. The school operates mixed age classes throughout the school that are organised on a year by year basis. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 15.5%, the highest in Stalybridge.

The school is situated in the Stalybridge South ward and is in close proximity to St Paul's C of E Primary School (0.53 miles walking distance). The school has maintained nursery provision, where provision is registered for 60 places (30 FTE) and currently has 38 children. This operates as a Foundation Unit with the Reception class. The school is exploring the possibility of offering full day, chargeable provision. The nursery has historically been seen as a community nursery that is shared with St Paul's and Stalyhill Infants. The private nursery provision based on the Stalyhill Infants site had some impact on nursery numbers at Wild Bank. The school does not offer after school provision.

The school is largely open plan and devolved capital has been used to refurbish the building. There is a Child and Family building on site that is currently closed.

The school was last inspected in September 2006 when the overall inspection judgement was that Wild Bank provides a good standard of education with outstanding features.

Conclusions

The five schools, Buckton Vale, Millbrook, St Raphael's', St Paul's and Wildbank are all within relatively close proximity and serve overlapping geographical areas. These areas are also defined by particular estates, some of which have significant social disadvantage. The geography of the area does not always lend itself to easy walking access to alternative schools. The Huddersfield Road Corridor has seen the development of new housing, the impact of which has potentially not yet materialised.

It would seem sensible to manage surplus places, at least in the short term, by reducing admission numbers where appropriate, to allow for the impact of new housing and the increased birth rate. It would not be possible to reduce the Published Admission Number at Wild Bank any further than the current number of 20 without affecting the overall viability of the school.

A reduction in the Published Admission Number and net capacity at Millbrook together with a reduction in the net capacity at Wild Bank by using existing accommodation for extended school activity and/or remodelling space to improve the buildings is a potential way forward.

Town centre area

There is redevelopment taking place in the centre of Stalybridge with planning permission granted for 188 one bedroom and 195 two bedroom flats nearby in the area. The one bedroom housing is unlikely to generate significant numbers of children, however, Audit Commission guidance would suggest that the two bedroom developments are likely to result in 3 pupils per hundred new homes. Gorse Hall Primary and Nursery School and St Peter's Catholic Primary School are situated close to the centre of Stalybridge and are surrounded by a mixture of owner occupied and residential social landlord housing.

Gorse Hall Primary and Nursery School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 60 and a current surplus capacity of 8% based on a net capacity of 420. This is one of the lowest surplus capacities in Stalybridge. The school has spaces available in all but one year group (Year 4) but has a relatively stable year on year intake with numbers ranging from 49 to 60. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 59. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 6.7%.

The school is situated in the Dukinfield / Stalybridge ward and is in close proximity to St Peter's Primary School (0.25 miles walking distance). Pupils travel to the school from a wide area encompassing all three Stalybridge wards. The school has nursery provision on site in a separate building from the main school building. This provision is registered for 60 children (30 FTE) and currently has 55 children. The nursery historically provided for children who went to Stalyhill Infants but this does not generally happen now. The school currently does not offer before or after school clubs. There are two kids clubs in the area that pick up and drop off from the school. The school has spent much of its devolved capital budget on refurbishments and has built a new classroom extension recently.

The school was last inspected in May 2004 when the overall inspection judgement was that Gorse Hall provides a very good standard of education.

Conclusion

There is no potential to reduce surplus capacity at Gorse Hall and therefore no options are put forward in respect of pupil numbers for this area.

Stalyhill area

Stalyhill Infant and Stalyhill Junior schools are the only separate Infant and Junior Schools in Tameside. The Stalyhill schools work closely together and have transition arrangements with an exchange programme between the schools. The schools currently share the same Chair of Governors and have governors common to each governing body. There is one Parent / Teacher Association for both schools. Stalyhill was an all through school but the additional build to accommodate increased numbers, resulted in separate infant and junior schools being established.

The schools are situated in the Stalybridge South ward and are in close proximity. The infant school attracts admissions from a wide area, with pupils travelling from the nearby housing, some areas of Hyde and along the Huddersfield Road corridor. The schools are situated at the top of Mottram Rise and are surrounded by owner occupied housing. There is some new housing being built in the area with 14 four bedroom houses having planning permission.

Stalyhill Infant School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 60 and a current surplus capacity of 7% based on a net capacity of 210. The school was over subscribed in 2006 and 60 pupils were admitted into Reception. The other two year groups have 55 and 53 pupils. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 3.5%.

The school does not have maintained nursery provision, however, a private provider (Hill Top Day Nursery) has provision on site for 0 – 5 year olds. Hill Top has 67 registered places with no more than 37 places for under 2's and a current as of September 06 occupancy of twenty three year olds and no four year olds. The school offers before and after school provision. Historically, mainstream nursery provision has been shared with Wild Bank where provision is funded for 60 places (30 FTE).

The school has recently had some building work to create a new entrance, office accommodation and staffroom. The school was last inspected in January 2002 when the overall inspection judgement was that Stalyhill Infants provides a very good standard of education with some outstanding features.

Stalyhill Junior School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 60 and has little surplus capacity based on a net capacity of 240. The four year groups have 60, 56, 61 and 61 pupils. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 7%.

The school has used devolved capital to carry out refurbishments to the general fabric of the building.

The school was last inspected in June 2005 when the overall inspection judgement was that Stalyhill Juniors provides a very good standard of education.

Conclusions

There is no potential to reduce surplus capacity at either Stalyhill Infant or Stalyhill Junior schools and therefore no options are put forward for this area to reduce pupil numbers. Given that the pupils from the infant school all move to the junior school, it is appropriate to explore any federation arrangements which would draw the schools more formally together.

Roman Catholic voluntary aided schools

There are two voluntary aided Roman Catholic primary schools in Stalybridge. Each school is its own admission authority and, as such, the Local Authority cannot propose changes to school admission numbers.

St Peter's Catholic Primary School has a Published Admission Number of 30 and an over capacity of 21% based on a net capacity of 180. This is the only school in Stalybridge that is over capacity. The school has year groups ranging from 47 to 28. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 30. The school is situated in the Dukinfield / Stalybridge ward and is in close proximity to Gorse Hall Primary School (0.25 miles walking distance). The school has maintained nursery provision, where provision is registered for 40 places (20 FTE) and there are currently 40 children. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 3.6%.

St Raphael's Catholic Primary School has a Published Admission Number of 26 and a surplus capacity of 17% based on a net capacity of 156. The school has year groups ranging from 28 to 15. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 28. The school is situated in the Stalybridge South ward and is in close proximity to Millbrook Primary School. The school has maintained nursery provision, where provision is registered for 26 places (13 FTE) and there are currently 26 children. The school has a mobility rate (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 8.5%.

Summary

The birth rate in all Stalybridge wards has risen by 16% since 2000, however this still represents an overall reduction of 14.5% since 1990 when birth rates in Tameside were at a peak. This means that there will be an increase in pupils coming into Stalybridge primary schools from 2007. Current indications show that there is likely to be an increase of approximately 50 pupils across all 11 primary schools coming into reception classes in 2007 and 2008. This will slightly reduce the overall surplus capacity in Stalybridge community schools.

The Local Authority has to take action to reduce surplus places above 25% in a school. It also has a duty to have regard to all surplus capacity which impacts on the effective use of resources and where surplus places are above 10%. There are four community primary schools that have above 25% surplus places. They are Millbrook Primary School (40%), Arlies Primary School (31%), Ridge Hill Primary School and Nursery (28%) and Wild Bank Community School (27%).

The review has considered specific areas of Stalybridge, the Ridgehill area, the town centre, the Stalyhill area and the Huddersfield Road corridor, where there are natural groupings of schools attracting children from similar areas.

There has been new housing in certain areas of Stalybridge, which has not, as yet, resulted in major increases in pupil numbers. Audit Commission guidelines suggest that 100 new houses will generate 3 additional pupils per year group. The Huddersfield Road corridor and town centre areas have seen the most new development. There are also pockets of high social deprivation in the Ridgehill area and along the Huddersfield Road corridor, specifically the Brushes, Copley and Buckton Castle estates.

Each school has its own particular contribution to make to pupils and part to play in the community it serves. Any decision to close a school or reduce admission numbers is not a reflection on standards. The nine community primary school all have strengths and each school has its own unique ethos. It is important to say that there are no failing schools in Stalybridge.

Seven of the primary schools in Stalybridge have maintained nursery provision. Of the 358 nursery places in Stalybridge primary schools, 19.9% are currently surplus.

Overall, the number of places that needs to be removed to take account of increased birth rates over the next 2 years and to address current surplus capacity is:

• Number of community places available - 2520
• Forecast number of community places required in 2008 - 2065
• Places to accommodate new housing and 5% surplus capacity - 165
• Total community places required - 2230
• Places to remove = places available - places required - 290

Options for Consideration for Reducing Surplus Places in Primary Schools

There is a need to remove 290 places by September 2008 (40 places per year group). This figure provides for all children from new housing developments to be accommodated in community primary schools. It is likely, however, that some families will state a preference for denominational provision and opt for one of the voluntary aided Catholic schools. The options set out reflect a cautious approach to managing surplus places. It is recognized that there are variable factors such as the impact of new housing and the rate of births which will require careful monitoring.

Ridgehill area

Option R1

Stalyhill area

This review does not propose any changes to Published Admission Numbers at either Stalyhill Infant or Stalyhill Junior Schools. We would wish to consult the respective governing bodies on various models of federation, particularly to take into account school admissions, and any benefits that federation could bring.

Huddersfield Road corridor area

Option H1

Town Centre area

There are no proposals covering the Town Centre area relating to primary school pupil numbers.

Predicted reduction in surplus capacity

The options shown above are predicted to reduce surplus capacity in Stalybridge primary schools in line with the table below.

Nursery Education in Stalybridge

It is the Council's long term aim that all primary schools have their own nursery provision wherever practical. However, this may be linked to other childcare facilities provided through the voluntary and private sectors, the aim being to have 0 to 5 years coverage across the borough, using all types of provision, for nursery education and child care. The 3 schools that do not offer maintained nursery provision have private providers operating either on site or within a short distance. Buckton Vale has Bright Futures on site, Stalyhill Infants has Hill Top on site and St Paul's has Chatterbox within a short distance. It is not seen as practical to develop maintained nurseries at these schools. Maintained nursery places are provided, following reviews, in ratios of 26 part time places to a 30 intake school, in line with staffing ratios of 1:13. Historically, community nurseries were established to serve several different schools. As an example, Wild Bank historically made provision for themselves, St Paul's and Stalyhill; and Millbrook for themselves and Buckton Vale. There is currently 19.9% surplus capacity in the maintained nursery provision in Stalybridge and there was 24.1% surplus in 2005/06 based on registered places against occupancy.

The occupancy at private day nurseries is as follows:

From the above figures, it could be assumed that children move to maintained nurseries once they are old enough as there are no 4 year olds currently accessing Nursery Education Grant (NEG) in these private day nurseries. However, children may access nurseries in other areas.

Options to reduce maintained nursery places in Stalybridge

The review of primary places in Stalybridge provides the opportunity to rationalise nursery provision in line with the Council's long term aim to provide the equivalent of 26 part time (13 full time equivalent) places associated with each reception class of 30 wherever practical whilst being cognisant of provision in the private sector. In Stalybridge, unlike other areas of the borough, nursery provision funded through the NEG is only available through maintained nurseries and three private providers. There are no playgroups that offer this sessional care in the area. Numbers of pupils in maintained nursery provision suggests that few children 3 and 4 year olds access nursery provision with private providers. This may be due to the fact that none of the private providers in the area can guarantee to provide the two and a half hour free entitlement without parents opting for extended provision.

There is a case therefore, in Stalybridge to keep more additional maintained nursery places than the Published Admission Numbers would ordinarily dictate. Provision will be enhanced by the Children's Centre currently being built at Ridgehill and the potential to develop a Children's Centre along the Huddersfield Road corridor. The option for consultation seeks to bring together historical demand, geographical considerations, current occupancy and staffing ratios of one to thirteen. Numbers will need to be kept under review as changes occur.

Option Nursery 1

How to make your views known

It is important to stress that no decisions have been made. Tameside Council wishes to consult widely, particularly with parents and local schools. A response sheet is attached to the back of this document for you to comment on the proposals.

All those interested are invited to comment in writing, using the attached comment form, to: Catherine Moseley, Senior Education Officer, Services for Children and Young People, Room 2.111, Council Offices, Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6DL by 12 noon on Friday 30 March 2007.

The consultation process will take the following pattern:

Consultation Meetings

Meetings will take place with staff, governors, and parents from primary schools directly affected, local councillors, unions and interested parties. There will be separate meetings for staff, governors and parents. LEA officers will consult with parents on a 1:1 basis at the school meetings. Other Stalybridge primary schools can also request consultation meetings.

Key Decision Report

At the end of the 8-week consultation period, the Council will prepare a Key Decision Report for the Cabinet Deputy for Lifelong Learning based on feedback received during the consultation process. At the Key Decision meeting, which will take place in May 2007 the Cabinet Deputy will make a decision based on recommendations contained in the Key Decision report.

Public Notices

Following the Key Decision, public notices will be published regarding any changes to school admission numbers. There will then be another six week period during which formal objections may be submitted to the Schools Adjudicator regarding any reduction in a school's Published Admission Number. Decisions relating to changes in nursery provision will be implemented by the Council in line with decisions made by the Cabinet Deputy.

Appendix 5 - Stalybridge Primary and Nursery Places Review Consultation Response Form 17.13 KB