Wesley Methodist Primary Academy Consultation:

Consultation on the proposal of offering nursery provision at Wesley Methodist Primary school, thus changing the lower age limit for the school from age 4 years to 2 years. 

Context

Recent changes in childcare funding may increase the number of childcare places required in the area. Bury local authority has carried out recently a childcare sufficiency survey and their data analysis informs that Radcliffe North is an area of Bury that will require additional places to meet demand by September 2025. 

Why are we proposing the change?

Having a nursery will enable the local authority to meet childcare needs in the area

In addition, the nursery will make the most of the expertise of the early years staff within the school ensuring the school can offer continuous provision at an earlier age resulting in higher attainment.

Having a nursery at the school will ensure that at the Foundation Stage, children will be given the benefit of outstanding Early Years practice.

What are the benefits of the school having a nursery?

Epworth Education Trust is committed to early years education and thus recognises the need to make an impact at the earliest opportunity.

A nursery for 2-4 year olds will create further opportunities to enhance the school’s education offer by:

• Giving wider access to resources for all our children
• Ensuring top quality early years provision is embedded at the heart of children’s educational experience.
• Making it easier for parents as can drop off and pick their children in one place
• Offering greater transition support for all children (especially those who have been identified as having an additional need) across the Early Years phase and into Key Stage One.
• Creating greater opportunities for Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 phases to keep improving and moving forward.
• Having financial stability as will assist the school in retaining admission numbers
• Continuing development of our strong community links

What will it mean for the children?

Epworth Education Trust has 11 schools and 7 of these already offer a nursery provision so there is expertise across the trust to ensure the early years education offered is of the highest standard.

The nursery will create an environment that will have a positive impact on the quality of education that children receive as can be started earlier.

Children will also be able to go to the same school as their siblings.

What will it mean for the staff?

There will be more development opportunities for the staff including additional training, the chance to work more closely across the curriculum and gain experience and understanding of all key stages.

How will we achieve a nursery?

Wesley Methodist has spare rooms within the building that could be used to provide a nursery provision for 2–4-year-olds. This would involve some current classes moving to other rooms within the school.  Additional building works would be required to ensure there was adequate facilities for the nursery children including toilet and changing facilities, sleeping facilities and outside play areas.

It is proposed that the nursery will be established on the 1st September 2025 changing the lower age limit for the school from age 4 years to 2 years. The nursery will be inspected at the same time as the school as will have the same OFSTED registration number.

Why are we consulting on the above proposal?

We have a responsibility to consult with the wider community on any prescribed alteration or significant change to the organisation and structure of the school. The Department for Education set out how the consultation should run, and we will be following those guidelines.

How can you have your say?

You can have your say by;

Writing your response and handing into the school office; or alternatively you can complete this online form: https://forms.office.com/e/8zNBnPEXEM

How long is the consultation period?

The consultation period will be open on 5^th February 2025 and it will run until 11.59pm on 6th March 2025

If you have any further questions regarding the process or proposal, please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher Rhys Jones via email Headteacher@wesley.epworthtrust.org.uk or telephone – 0161 723 3416