Introduction

Darley Dene Primary School is seeking to lower its age range to 2 years old and this consultation sets out the proposal to implement this plan.

This is an exciting opportunity that would enable the school to provide Early Education places to children aged 2 and to enhance the support offered in the local community to families of very young children. 

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

Proposal

The proposed Nursery provision will be based in the existing space we have available for Early Years education. There is space for at least four 2 year olds without impacting on the places already available to children aged 3. The current facilities lend themselves to support the requirements of a Nursery, with only some reconfiguration required to provide further changing facilities and a sleep area. The children will have access to the school’s existing resources and facilities including the large playground, trim trail area and the school hall. 

The curriculum, planning, provision and pupils’ progress will be overseen and line-managed by the current lead teacher in the nursery and the school’s Senior Leadership Team. 

It is proposed that places for two year olds would be available from September 2025. 

Reasons for Extending Nursery Provision

Darley Dene Primary School is a one-form entry primary school located on Garfield Road, Addlestone.  In the recent Ofsted inspection in the summer of 2024, Darley Dene achieved a ‘Good’ judgement in every area and provision in the Early Years was cited as a particular strength. The Lumen Learning Trust Board of Directors, the Darley Dene Local Governing Body and the Senior Leadership Team believe that the addition of places for 2 year olds will benefit the children and families within our local community through the provision of high-quality affordable childcare for the youngest children in our community. It will also enable families to use their Government Funded Early Education childcare entitlement.

Darley Dene 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 comprehensive transition to full-time statutory education in Reception with a smooth start to school life.
• 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.
• 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

Darley Dene 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 Friday 22nd November 2024 and will end on Sunday 22nd December 2024.  You can state whether you support the proposal or not by completing the questionnaire in the link below:

Any further comments or questions can be emailed to: office.darleydene@lumenlearningtrust.co.uk for the attention of the Headteacher.