Decision details

Leeds City Council is proposing to change the age range of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School from 3-11 years to 4-11 years and permanently close the local authority-maintained nursery at the school with effect from January 2025.

The decision required would determine whether the proposal should progress to a statutory notice stage.

The nursery will temporarily close in September 2024 pending the outcome of a decision to close permanently.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report on a proposal to change the age range of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School from 3-11 years to 4-11 years and to permanently close the Local Authority-maintained nursery. The report highlighted that a public consultation on the proposal had taken place between 13 May and 28 May 2024 and provided a summary of the consultation responses received. Additionally, the report sought approval for the publication of a statutory notice in respect of the proposals.

On behalf of the Executive Member for Children and Families, the Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development introduced the report and in doing so, highlighted the key recommendations. It was noted that whilst there had been 24.5 full time equivalent children attending the nursery in the summer term 2024, this would reduce to 5.5 in September 2024. It was also noted that should the submitted recommendations be approved, then the intention would be to bring a further report to the November 2024 Board, presenting the outcomes of the Statutory Notice.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the timing of the proposals within the submitted report, given the new Government’s manifesto commitment regarding childcare provision, the Board was provided with further context on the proposal. It was noted that the proposals were being brought forward due to a decline in population of children and young people in the local area together with a sufficiency of available provision in that locality. In addition, it was noted that the school was considering working with a private provider with regard to the potential delivery of childcare.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the public consultation for this proposal, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the publication of a Statutory Notice on the proposal to change the age range of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School from 3-11 years to 4-11 years and to permanently close the Local Authority-maintained nursery at the school, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the implementation of the proposal would be subject to the outcome of the Statutory Notice;

(d)  That the intention for a further report to be presented to the November 2024 Executive Board meeting, be noted;

(e)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Lamb required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

An initial consultation ran from 13 - 28 May 2024.

The changes proposed form prescribed alterations under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and are aligned with the statutory process set out in the Department for Education’s guidance document, ‘Making significant changes (prescribed alterations) to maintained schools’ (January 2023).

Parents/carers, staff, headteacher and governors of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School, local early years providers, local primary schools including their parents/carers, local ward members, local MP and other stakeholders have been informed about the consultation.  During the consultation period there was an informal drop-in session at the school. The headteacher briefed staff at the school and some staff attended the drop-in session.