Proposal 

The Governing Body of Monkleigh Primary School is proposing to lower the age range of the school from 2-11 years to 9 months-11 years, with effect from the 20 November 2026 following the completion of the consultation. 

This proposal would enable the school to extend its Early Years provision to include babies from the age of 9 months, creating a continuous educational journey from infancy through to the end of primary education. 

Background 

Monkleigh Primary School has successfully secured a Department for Education (DfE) Nursery Capital Grant, with the support of Devon County Council, to develop provision for children aged 9 months to 2 years. 

The school currently provides education and care for children aged 2 years and above. The proposed change would allow the school to admit a maximum of 5 children aged between 9 months and 2 years within a dedicated baby room provision. 

The proposal supports the growing demand for high-quality childcare in the local area and aims to provide families with greater access to early education and care from a younger age. 

The new provision would form part of the school’s existing Early Years offer and would be fully integrated into the school’s inclusive and nurturing approach. 

Benefits of the Proposal 

The Governing Body believes that extending the age range would: 

• Increase the availability of high-quality childcare and early education within the local community. 
• Support families by providing continuity of care and education from infancy through to Year 6. 
• Enable earlier identification of children’s developmental and educational needs, allowing timely support and intervention. 
• Strengthen children’s readiness for nursery and school by providing a seamless transition through the Early Years Foundation Stage. 
• Enhance opportunities for engagement with families from the earliest stages of a child’s development. 

Capital Implications 

Any building adaptations and improvements required to accommodate the proposed baby provision will be funded through the DfE Nursery Capital Grant secured by the school. 

The proposal: 

• Will not affect the capacity of the school. 
• Will not alter the school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) of 15 for Reception admissions. 
• Will not reduce teaching space available for existing pupils. 
• Will not place additional pressure on current classroom accommodation. 

Staffing and Safeguarding 

Appropriate staffing arrangements will be put in place to meet all statutory requirements for the care and education of children aged 9 months to 2 years. 

The baby provision will operate in accordance with: 

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements. 
• Ofsted regulations. 
• School safeguarding policies and procedures. 
• Relevant health and safety guidance. 

The Consultation Process 

The Government has recently simplified the process for a maintained school to extend the age range to create school-based nursery provision. The Government has made this change to support their commitment to create or expand school based nurseries in light of the increased entitlements to early years. 

The process to establish a school based nursery through the extension of the school age range includes a period of consultation followed by a decision at a Full Governing Body meeting. 

The Governing Body welcomes comments, observations and questions from parents, carers, staff, local residents, community organisations and other interested parties. 

All responses received during the consultation period will be carefully considered by the Governing Body before a final decision is made.

Indicative Timetable 

Responding to the Consultation 

Responses to this consultation are welcomed and should be submitted in writing by the closing date. 

Please send comments to: 

Headteacher 
Monkleigh Primary School 
Monkleigh, Bideford, EX39 5JY 

Email: admin@monkleigh-primary.devon.sch.uk 

Alternatively, responses may be submitted via the school office. 

When responding, please indicate whether you: 

• Support the proposal; 
• Object to the proposal; or 
• Wish to provide comments or suggestions. 

Further Information 

If approved, the proposal will enable Monkleigh Primary School to extend its successful Early Years provision and offer high-quality care and education for children from 9 months to 11 years of age, supporting families and strengthening early learning opportunities within the local community. 

The Governing Body looks forward to hearing the views of all stakeholders during this consultation period. 

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