Newport school changes need parents' input (From South Wales Argus)

Newport school changes need parents' input

9:21pm Tuesday 9th December 2008 in News By Jane Helmich - Council reporter

CONSULTATIONS need to take place on extending the age range at a Newport school before the formal process of closing one of its feeder nurseries can begin.

It is proposed to have a nursery class at Glan Usk Primary, formerly Durham Road Junior and Infants, when it moves into a new building.

No objections were received about the decision to close Rockfield Nursery, said a report to Cllr David Hando, cabinet member for young people's services.

But before the next stage in the legal process can take place, the council has to hold formal consultations about extending the age range at Glan Usk from three to 11.

It is not intended to close the nursery until the replacement school is completed.

Currently under construction, the new building will include a 28-place nursery.

Jeff Beecher, head teacher at Glan Usk, was appointed acting head of the nursery following the retirement of its head.

Plans to close Rockfield Nursery two years ago were delayed following objections from parents.

More than 400 people signed a petition and the council agreed not to go ahead with the proposal until the new school was ready.

In her report to Cllr Hando, education planning manager Amanda Davies said the falling rolls and physical state of the nursery were the main reasons in considering closure.

The LEA remained committed to providing a high quality education for pupils in the area by relocating the nursery provision within the new Glan Usk school.

It is proposed that the changes come into force from September 2009 or as soon as possible after that date, depending on when the building is ready.