Introduction

Saxon Primary School is seeking to open a 24-28 place Nursery provision for 2-4 year olds and this consultation sets out the proposal to implement this plan.  In order to establish a Nursery, it is necessary for the school to change the age range for which the school can cater for, from 4-11 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 to school.

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

Proposal

The proposed Nursery provision will be based in the space adjacent to our Breakfast and After School Club room, which has most recently been utilised as a satellite centre for Clarendon Family Centre.  There is ample space for up to approx. 28 children, including a large and secure outdoor area.  The current facilities lend themselves to support the requirements of a Nursery, with only some refurbishment required.  The Nursery children will have access to the school’s resources and facilities including the Library Bus, Forest School, playing spaces and the hall.

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 Saxon Nursery would open in January 2025.

Reasons for Opening Nursery Provision

Saxon Primary School is a two-form entry primary school located on Briar Road, Shepperton.  In its last Ofsted inspection in 2019, Saxon retained its ‘Good’ Ofsted grading with ‘Outstanding for Leadership & Management’ from the last full inspection, which took place in June 2015. The Lumen Learning Trust Board of Directors, the Saxon Local Governing Body and the Senior Leadership Team believe that the addition of a 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.

Saxon Primary School wishes to contribute to and support the Government’s scheme to support more parents and family members returning to work after their parental leave ends.  In addition, the benefits to the school, the children and the local community include:

• A more comprehensive transition from Nursery to Reception to support a smoother start to school life for our Reception children who currently join us from several different nurseries.
• Early identification of vulnerable families so that early help and support can be implemented more quickly.
• Early identification of SEND needs which can subsequently be addressed earlier and appropriate support put in place.
• A continuity of provision which reflects our vision and ethos.
• To better ensure a full cohort of 60 children in our Reception year, supporting the school financially, which in turn benefits the whole school community.
• Respond to expressions of interest in a Nursery from current and prospective families.
• Provide continuity of provision from 2 to 11 years for our families.
• Optimise the use of our facilities and capitalise on our expert knowledge of the early years’ foundation stage provision.
• Provide employment opportunities and continuing professional development for current staff.

Responding to the Consultation & Next Steps

Saxon 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. 

As Saxon Primary School is part of a Multi-Academy Trust, approval for this proposal is required from the Department for Education.