St John’s CofE Primary School Nursery Consultation

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Introduction

The London Borough of Harrow and Governing board of St. John’s is seeking your views on proposals to extend the age range from 4-11 to 3-11. In order to support the government’s commitment to create or expand school-based nurseries across England, there is no longer a requirement for local authorities and governing bodies to follow the statutory prescribed alterations (‘change of age range’) process when they want to make changes to a school’s age range in order to add, remove or change existing nursery provision. Where these changes to nursery provision are made, we expect local authorities and governing bodies to have regard to ‘Changes that can be made outside of the statutory process’, including ensuring an open and fair consultation.

Currently St. John’s Primary School is a school for pupils aged 4-11. The proposed nursery will cater for 30 places. The London Borough of Harrow is proposing to open the nursery provision from September 2025.


Identifying Demand in the Local Community

There is a clear and growing demand among current and prospective families at St John's for Nursery provision for 3-year-olds. Interest has been expressed by parents during school tours and informal engagement, particularly from those with younger siblings and working parents seeking consistent and local care options.

The school has a strong precedent for successful growth in early years education within the partnership of schools. The partnership has set up 3 Nurseries which within 2 years have a full capacity of 30. This demonstrates the ability to build demand, deliver quality provision, and retain families within the school community.

This new provision will continue the successful model, offering both 15-hour and 30-hour funded places, along with access to breakfast club and after-school care if required. These wraparound services are particularly attractive to working families and support the commitment to inclusive, accessible education.


Educational Benefits and Continuity

Providing high-quality education from age three enables St John's to intervene earlier and meet the developmental and emotional needs of children more effectively. It ensures:

• Stronger transitions into Reception

• Greater continuity of care and learning

• Earlier identification of children who may require additional support or outside agency intervention

By starting their educational journey with St John's, children build strong relationships with staff and peers, gain familiarity with routines, and develop confidence in a familiar setting helping them to thrive both academically and emotionally. For the school, this provides a clearer picture of projected intake numbers into Reception, supporting stability in planning, staffing, and resource allocation.


How to respond

The London Borough of Harrow and the Governing board of St John's are keen to hear your views and would ask that you complete the online survey

If you have any questions about this consultation, please contact:

Mrs Rachel Blake, Executive Headteacher, by emailing the school office at office@stjohns.harrow.sch.uk

We look forward to receiving your views on this proposal.


The closing date is noon 17th July 2025


Next Steps

All responses will be presented to the Full Governing Board and Strategic Director of Children Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Children Services, to consider these responses and make a decision.

Introduction

The London Borough of Harrow and Governing board of St. John’s is seeking your views on proposals to extend the age range from 4-11 to 3-11. In order to support the government’s commitment to create or expand school-based nurseries across England, there is no longer a requirement for local authorities and governing bodies to follow the statutory prescribed alterations (‘change of age range’) process when they want to make changes to a school’s age range in order to add, remove or change existing nursery provision. Where these changes to nursery provision are made, we expect local authorities and governing bodies to have regard to ‘Changes that can be made outside of the statutory process’, including ensuring an open and fair consultation.

Currently St. John’s Primary School is a school for pupils aged 4-11. The proposed nursery will cater for 30 places. The London Borough of Harrow is proposing to open the nursery provision from September 2025.


Identifying Demand in the Local Community

There is a clear and growing demand among current and prospective families at St John's for Nursery provision for 3-year-olds. Interest has been expressed by parents during school tours and informal engagement, particularly from those with younger siblings and working parents seeking consistent and local care options.

The school has a strong precedent for successful growth in early years education within the partnership of schools. The partnership has set up 3 Nurseries which within 2 years have a full capacity of 30. This demonstrates the ability to build demand, deliver quality provision, and retain families within the school community.

This new provision will continue the successful model, offering both 15-hour and 30-hour funded places, along with access to breakfast club and after-school care if required. These wraparound services are particularly attractive to working families and support the commitment to inclusive, accessible education.


Educational Benefits and Continuity

Providing high-quality education from age three enables St John's to intervene earlier and meet the developmental and emotional needs of children more effectively. It ensures:

• Stronger transitions into Reception

• Greater continuity of care and learning

• Earlier identification of children who may require additional support or outside agency intervention

By starting their educational journey with St John's, children build strong relationships with staff and peers, gain familiarity with routines, and develop confidence in a familiar setting helping them to thrive both academically and emotionally. For the school, this provides a clearer picture of projected intake numbers into Reception, supporting stability in planning, staffing, and resource allocation.


How to respond

The London Borough of Harrow and the Governing board of St John's are keen to hear your views and would ask that you complete the online survey

If you have any questions about this consultation, please contact:

Mrs Rachel Blake, Executive Headteacher, by emailing the school office at office@stjohns.harrow.sch.uk

We look forward to receiving your views on this proposal.


The closing date is noon 17th July 2025


Next Steps

All responses will be presented to the Full Governing Board and Strategic Director of Children Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Children Services, to consider these responses and make a decision.

Page published: 01 Jul 2025, 03:44 PM