Barton Primary School Public Consultation
When will the Barton Primary School Public Consultation run?
Consultation opens: Friday 26 September 2025
Consultation closes: Midnight, Friday 24 October 2025
What is the background to the consultation?
Barton Primary School’s early years provision is currently run as a ‘maintained’ nursery. Maintained nurseries are required to employ a qualified teacher for children aged three and over. This is under the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. This increases staffing costs and strains financial sustainability.
The governing body and Head Teacher have formally requested a change in the nursery’s status in a letter to the Isle of Wight Council. Considering the recent School Place Planning review and the school’s budget deficit, a staff restructure is necessary. Transitioning to a community nursery would help reduce staffing costs. This may minimise redundancies. The school will still be able to maintain high-quality childcare under its leadership.
If approved, the change in the nursery’s status will take effect from 1 December 2025.
What is the purpose of the consultation?
The purpose of the consultation is to seek public feedback on the proposed change of nursery status from ‘maintained’ to ‘community’.
A four-week public consultation will be conducted according to the Department for Education’s guidance.
The consultation will run from 26 September to 24 October 2025.
During this period, a public notice will be issued inviting comments and objections. The school will ensure that all parents and carers are informed.
If approved, the Primary School will deliver Early Years provision under section 27 of the Education Act 2002. This will enable the governing body to offer community services that benefit pupils, families, and the wider local area.
There is no anticipated capital costs associated with this proposal.
Proposal
It is proposed to change Barton Primary School’s ‘maintained nursery’ to a ‘community nursery’.
How to take part in the Consultation
The consultation will run until Friday 24 October 2025.
Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, any person may object or make comments on the proposal by sending them to:
Email: strategic.planning@iow.gov.uk
Post: Jade Kennett, Strategic Development, Children's Services Department, Floor 3, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD