All Saints Marsh Church of England Academy – Nursery Age Range Consultation

Learning Academy Partnership Academy Trust is consulting on a proposal to change the age range of All Saints Marsh C of E Academy from 4-11 years to 2-11 years of age from September 2026. Please see the Trust’s consultation letter below.

Consultation – Nursery Age Range All Saints Marsh Church of England Academy

I’m delighted to write to you with news of an exciting development at All Saints Marsh Church of England Academy. In response to increased government funding for early years education and a growing need for high quality nursery provision in our community, we are proposing to extend the age range of our school to include children from 2 years old.

This letter outlines the proposal and invites your views as part of a formal consultation process:

Background Information

As part of our Trust’s mission of “Flourishing Futures”, we are committed to supporting children and families from the earliest stages of their educational journey. The vision to offer nursery provision has been a long-standing ambition of our team, and we are now in a position to make this a reality.

As part of our planning, we are also making an application for capital funding through the School-Based Nursery (SBN) grant to support the development of high-quality nursery facilities.

To do so, the Board of Trustees will apply to formally change the school’s age range from 4–11 years to 2–11 years, enabling us to welcome younger children into our school community from September 2026.

What Is the Proposal?

We propose to open a nursery at All Saints Marsh Church of England Academy for children aged 2 to 4 years, starting in September 2026. This would allow us to offer both funded and paid places, with flexible session options to meet the needs of local families.

This proposal does not affect the Published Admission Number (PAN) or the capacity for school aged children. Our existing provision for Reception to Year 6 remains unchanged.

Why Do We Want to Change the Age Range?

We know how important the early years are for a child’s development, and many families have told us they would welcome more nursery places locally. By offering nursery provision at All Saints Marsh Church of England Academy, we can support children and families from the very beginning of their learning journey.

This change would allow us to:

•Welcome children earlier and build strong relationships with families from the start.
•Provide high-quality care and learning in a safe, nurturing environment.
•Offer more choice and flexibility for parents looking for local nursery options.
•Draw on the experience of other nurseries across our Trust to ensure the very best start for every child.

We want every child to feel confident, curious and ready to learn and we believe starting earlier will help them thrive both now and in the future.

Funding and Admissions

We want to make our early years provision as accessible and flexible as possible for families. Here’s how it would work:

Funded Places: Many families will be entitled to government-funded childcare. This includes:
•15 hours per week for all 3 and 4 year-olds.
•30 hours per week for eligible working families with children 2 years to 4 year-olds.
•Eligible 2 year olds funded from the start of the term following their second birthday – families receiving additional government support

Paid Sessions: Families who are not eligible for funding, or who would like additional hours beyond their funded entitlement, will be able to purchase extra sessions. We aim to keep our pricing fair and competitive, and we’ll share more details about session times and costs closer to the launch.

Admissions: Places in our early years setting will be offered in line with the academy’s admissions policy. We’ll make sure the process is clear and supportive for all families, and we’ll be here to help with any questions along the way.

Community Impact

We believe this new provision will be a valuable asset not only to families in Newton Abbot but also to those in surrounding communities. It reflects our commitment to supporting children and families at every stage and ensuring that every child has the best possible start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is the age range changing to include children from 2 years old? This change reflects both national policy developments and local demand. Starting earlier allows us to support children’s development from infancy and provide continuity in care and education.
2. Will there be changes to the school site to accommodate the nursery? Yes, we are planning dedicated nursery spaces that are safe, welcoming, and designed specifically for younger children. These will be developed in line with early years standards and best practice.
3. What qualifications will colleagues have? All colleagues will be qualified in early years education and childcare, with specialist training for working with young children.
4. Will meals and nappies be provided? Yes, we plan to offer meals and snacks and provide support with nappies and other care needs. Full details will be shared ahead of opening.
5. How do I apply for a place? Applications will follow the academy’s admissions policy. We’ll provide clear guidance and support for families during the application process.
6. What if I’m not eligible for funded hours? You’ll be able to purchase additional hours at competitive rates. We aim to make our provision accessible and affordable for all families.
7. Can siblings attend together? Yes, we welcome siblings and will do our best to accommodate family needs across age groups.
8. Does attending the nursery guarantee a place in Reception?
   No, attending the nursery does not guarantee a place in the school’s Reception class. Parents will still need to make a separate application to Devon County Council (DCC) for admission into Reception, following the usual admissions process.

What Happens Next?

We need to gather your views to inform the decision-making process; it will run from Monday 20th October to Monday 17th November at 9am. Responses will be used to make a final decision as to whether to proceed with an application to extend the age range which will enable us to offer nursery spaces from 2 year-olds.

Please note that while the Trust will submit the application, the final decision to approve the change in age range rests with the Department for Education (DfE).

How Do I Make My Views Known?

Your views are important, and we would value your opinions. You can send your comments by email to allsaints@lapsw.org.The closing date for responses is Monday 17th November 2025 at 9am.