Stoberry Park School Age Range Consultation

Overview

Somerset Council is inviting feedback on a proposal from The Academies for Character and Excellence Trust to extend the age range at Stoberry Park Primary School.

The proposal is to change the school’s age range from 4 to 11 years to 2 to 11 years, from September 2027.

If approved, this would enable the school to offer nursery provision for children aged 2 to 4, alongside its existing primary school provision. 

About the proposal

The proposal would allow the school to create a nursery, building on the school site.

The nursery would:

• Offer places for children aged 2 to 4
• Provide up to 40 places
• Be part of the existing school and Trust arrangements 

The aim is to provide a continuous education pathway from early years through to Year 6.

Why this is being proposed

The proposal aims to:

• Create a seamless early years pathway into Reception and through the wider school.
• Strengthen school readiness.
• Secure the long-term contiunuity of local early years provision.

Impact on the school

The proposal would not reduce the number of places available for children of statutory school age at the primary school. 

Children would still need to apply separately for a Reception place through Somerset Council’s admissions process.

Funding and delivery

The nursery provision would be funded using existing resources within the Trust, alongside nursery funding.

The Trust already delivers early years provision in other schools and has systems in place for safeguarding, curriculum delivery and staff training. 

What happens next

This consultation is an opportunity for parents, carers, staff, local residents and other interested parties to give their views on the proposal.

After the consultation closes:

• All responses will be reviewed by the school and Trust
• A decision will be made on whether to submit a formal application to the Department for Education (DfE)

If approved, the proposed start date for the nursery provision would be September 2027.