Consultation on a proposal to extend the age range of Diptford CofE Primary School

Proposal

The Link Academy Trust is consulting on a proposal to change the age range of Diptford CofE Primary School from 3-11 to 2-11 years of age from November 2026.

Background

The Government is committed to creating or expanding school-based nurseries across England in line with the increase in early education and childcare entitlements.

Diptford CofE Primary School is seeking to expand its current Nursery provision to include 2-year-olds and this consultation sets out the proposal to implement this plan. In order to expand the current Nursery provision, it is necessary for the school to change the age range for which the school can cater for, from 3-11 years old to 2-11 years old. This is an exciting opportunity that would enable the school to provide Early Education places to children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old prior to their entry into the Reception class.

The purpose of this consultation is to provide information about our proposal and seek the views of Diptford families and the wider community.

Reasons for expanding the existing nursery provision

Diptford CofE Primary School is a half form entry primary school located in the village of Diptford, near Totnes. In its last Ofsted inspection in 2024, Diptford retained its ‘Good’ Ofsted grading from its last inspection, which took place in June 2018. The Link Academy Trust Board of Directors and the Diptford Senior Leadership Team believe that the expansion of the nursery class will benefit the children and families within our local community through the provision of high-quality affordable childcare and quality education for children from 2 years to 11 years, enabling families to use their Government Funded Early Education childcare entitlement at one setting without top-up fees.

The proposed Nursery provision will be based in the existing purpose-built nursery building that has ample space for up to approx. 15 children, including a large and secure outdoor area. The Nursery children will have access to the school’s resources and facilities including the library, playing spaces and classrooms. The proposal will not affect the net capacity of the school, or the PAN, or put pressure on classroom space for school-aged children.

The curriculum, planning, provision and pupils’ progress will be overseen and line-managed by the school’s Senior Leadership Team. It is proposed that the changes will take affect following the October half term 2026.

Process and Decision-making

Diptford CofE Primary School welcomes the support of the local community that it serves. This is an opportunity for parents, family members, staff and the local community who have an interest in the school to respond to the proposal.

The consultation period starts on 14^th September 2026 and will end on 12^th October 2026.

Responses to this consultation will be considered by the School and the Link Academy Trust, who will then decide whether or not to change the age range of the school.

The Trust welcome responses on this proposal by the closing date of midnight on 12th October 2026 by:

Emailing: admindiptford@thelink.academy academy please mark your email ‘Nursery Consultation’.

Or by writing to: Diptford CofE Primary School, Diptford, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7NY.

All responses to the consultation will be considered and will be shared with the school’s leadership team, Board of Directors and Trustees, but we will not send individual responses to any specific points made.

The Trust Privacy Notice can be found via this weblink.