Proposed Opening of 10 Pre-School Places (Ages 3–4)

Blacko Primary School is seeking the views of parents, carers, local residents, and wider stakeholders on an exciting proposal: the introduction of 10 pre-school places for children aged 3–4 years.

This is an initial consultation, designed to understand community interest, gather feedback, and explore whether the proposed provision would meet local need. No final decisions will be made until after the consultation period has closed and the responses have been fully reviewed.

Why We Are Exploring a Pre-School at Blacko

Introducing a pre-school at Blacko Primary School has the potential to bring a range of benefits for children, families, and the wider school community:

Early Access to High-Quality Education

Children would have the opportunity to begin their learning journey earlier within a familiar and nurturing school environment, supporting strong personal development and successful transitions into Reception.

Stronger Partnerships with Families

Welcoming families at an earlier stage helps build trust, strengthen home–school relationships, and support a joined-up approach to each child’s learning and wellbeing.

Support for Family Life

A pre-school on-site would offer convenience—especially for families with older siblings—allowing a single drop-off and collection point.

Enhanced Staff Expertise

A school-based pre-school encourages greater collaboration between early years and primary staff, ensuring a consistent, high-quality approach to teaching and child development.

Overview of the Proposed Provision

• Age Range: 3–4 years

• Number of Places: Up to 10 (phased introduction beginning with 5 places)

• Operating Pattern: Term-time only

• Wrap-Around Care: Optional sessions offered in line with current school hours

• Location: Within the existing Reception classroom, forming a mixed pre-school/Reception learning environment

• Outdoor Learning: Access to free-flow outdoor provision via the back playground

• Facilities: Plans include creating an additional toilet block, changing area, and cloakroom to support early years needs

• Staffing: Qualified Early Years teacher and Level 3 early years practitioners, meeting all statutory staff–child ratios.

What This Means for the School Community

• Reception children will continue to receive high-quality, developmentally appropriate provision—mixed-age early years settings are a well-established and effective model.

• Other year groups will not be impacted, as the pre-school will operate fully within the existing early years space. Additional staffing in school will further support the already established high-quality practice in school.

• Traffic impact is expected to be minimal, though the school will continue to promote safe and considerate travel habits. This will include consideration for a staggered drop-off/collection to alleviate traffic at these times.

• Building work (for the new toilet block) would be planned to minimise disruption, ideally taking place during school holidays.

Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must apply through the normal local authority admissions process but consideration for this will be built into the school's admission criteria.

Funding and Entitlement

Families will be able to use:

• 30 free hours (government-funded)

• Tax-Free Childcare

• Childcare Vouchers

Further details will be shared if the proposal moves into the next stage.

Have Your Say

We warmly invite our stakeholders in our community to share their views, questions, or expressions of interest. Your feedback will help shape the future of early years provision at Blacko Primary School.

Consultation Period

Open: Friday 5th December 2025
Closing: 12 noon, Friday 2nd January 2026

Submit Your Feedback

Please complete the online consultation form here:

Blacko Primary School Pre-School Proposal – Initial Consultation Form

Following the consultation, the Trustees of Apex Collaborative Trust and the Headteacher will review all responses and decide whether to proceed to the next stage of planning.

 

Initial Summary of Consultation Feedback

The ongoing consultation regarding the proposal to introduce a school-based Pre-School Nursery at Blacko Primary School has generated a strong and encouraging response from the community. Over 80% of respondents have expressed support for the proposal. This demonstrates a clear majority in favour of the development.

Key Themes from Supportive Responses:

• Smooth Transition: Children will benefit from early familiarity with staff, routines, and the school environment, easing the move into Reception.
• Convenience for Families: A single drop-off point and wraparound care options reduce stress and save time for parents.
• High-Quality Early Education: Access to a nurturing, school-led setting from an earlier age supports strong foundations in learning and development.
• Earlier Identification of Needs: Staff can spot and address additional needs sooner, ensuring timely support.
• Strengthened Home–School Partnerships: Families build relationships with staff earlier, creating a collaborative approach to education.
• Continuity of Care: Children experience a consistent educational journey from pre-school through primary years.
• Community Benefits: The proposal reinforces the school’s role as a hub for families, promoting inclusivity and cohesion.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Additional income and staffing capacity will help maintain high standards and secure the school’s future.
• Flexibility for Parents: Options for full-day care, wraparound provision, and flexible packages meet diverse family needs.
• Enhanced Staff Collaboration: Shared practice between early years and primary staff improves teaching quality across all phases.
• Support for Working Families: Extended hours and wraparound care make childcare more manageable for parents with employment commitments.
• Local Accessibility: Reduces the need for families to travel to other nurseries, making childcare more convenient and cost-effective.
• Positive Impact on Village Life: Helps attract and retain young families, supporting the vitality of the local community.

Concerns Raised by Opposing Responses

While the majority are in favour, some respondents expressed concerns about:

1. Space Limitations: Potential impact on outdoor play areas and classroom space.

School response: 

• The proposal includes careful planning for dedicated facilities, such as a separate toilet block and cloakroom, ensuring that Reception and Pre-School spaces remain distinct and functional.
• Outdoor play remains a priority: the design will maximize existing space and explore creative solutions (e.g., zoned play areas, staggered outdoor sessions) to maintain high-quality physical activity for all pupils.
• By integrating the nursery within the school site, children benefit from shared resources without compromising the learning environment for older pupils.

 

2. Parking & Logistics: Increased pressure on parking and traffic around the school.

School response:

• We recognise the importance of managing traffic and parking. The school will review and implement measures such as staggered start/finish times and clear signage to minimise congestion. 
• Wraparound care options will help spread arrival and departure times, reducing peak pressure on parking.
• As it currently does, the school will continue to work closely with parents, local residents, PCSO and the LCC Enforcement Team to monitor traffic during busy times.

 

3. Impact on Reception Provision: Worries that introducing pre-school children could affect the quality of learning for Reception pupils.

School response:

• The proposal is designed to enhance Reception learning, not dilute it. Pre-School and Reception will have  tailored routines with additional staffing, ensuring age-appropriate learning for both groups.
• Experienced early years staff will work collaboratively to maintain the high-quality, individualised approach that Blacko is known for.
• A school-based nursery will actually strengthen Reception provision by allowing children to enter with greater confidence, familiarity, and readiness for formal learning.

 

Overall, the initial feedback is highly positive, with strong support from parents, staff, governors, and community members. The consultation will remain open until 12 noon on 2nd January 2026, allowing further input, but current responses indicate significant enthusiasm for the proposal and its potential benefits for children, families, and the wider community.