Consultation Proposal Proposal to change the age range of Ash Croft Primary Academy
Introduction
Ash Croft Primary Academy is proposing to make an application to the Department for Education to extend its age range from 3 - 11 years to 2 - 11 years from September 2024.
As part of the consultation process and as part of the legal requirements, we are writing to parents and careers of Ash Croft Primary Academy, the Local Authority, other local primary schools and nurseries to seek feedback regarding the proposed changes. The consultation process will run from Wednesday 5th June 2024 to 12pm on Wednesday 26th June 2024. The Harmony Trust will then consider comments received during the consultation period.
What is being proposed?
Ash Croft Primary Academy currently has a pupil admission number of 40 and capacity for 280 pupils plus up to 26 Nursery pupils. We currently admit children from the term after their third birthday as part of our Nursery Provision. Under the proposals, this will change and will allow us to admit children from the term after their second birthday as part of the Nursery Provision, for those entitled to the early years funding to families of 2-year-old children, initially for up to 15 full time equivalent places. For children who are admitted to Reception this will remain unchanged and will continue to be admitted following the admissions policy.
Why are we making these changed?
The proposal is part of a The Harmony Trust wide strategy to develop nursery provision across our primary schools and maximise the educational benefits in offering local families funded access to early years provision in a school setting supporting our future pupils access to a provision. The proposal also supports the recent Government announcement to extend the early years funded entitlement to families of all 2-year-olds from April 2024.
The benefits of this are strong links between families, the community and the school and improved continuity of educational provision resulting in better outcomes for the children.
It is envisaged that there would be no impact on the academy, the children, the environment or the local community. It is also envisaged that due to the Governments National Early Entitlement Expansion Plans and analysis of provision requirements, there would be no impact to other similar local providers and the placement of children would remain a parental preference.
What do I need to do?
If you have any questions or would like to comment on the proposal then please the contact the Principal using the following methods
- In writing to Miss E Luff, Principal, Ash Croft Primary Academy, Deep Dale Lane, Derby, DE24 3HF
- or by email to info@ashcroft.theharmonytrust.org
Following the consultation period, the responses will be analysed carefully before any decisions are made by The Harmony Trust, regarding the proposals.
