Councillors give go ahead for Queensferry primary Schools age range change

The proposed change of age range at Queensferry primary school approved by councillors today – Tuesday 17th June

The controversial proposals published last July 2013 will see the closure of  the Croft Nursery School in Shotton, which has served the community since the 1970’s

Children will be integrated into neighbouring St. Ethelwold’s School and Queensferry County Primary School from this September, as part of the County’s school modernisation programme.

In order to take in the children from the Croft Nursery the age-range at Queensferry CP School on Chester Road West needed to be revised.

No written objections were received by Flintshire County Council concerning plans to change the age-range from 4-11 to 3-11 years from September 2014, and in this event the Council’s Cabinet has the authority to determine the change. 

However, last year a 1600 signature petition was sent to the Council asking for the nursery to be kept open.

Ian Budd, Chief Officer Education and Youth at Flintshire County Council said:

“Although there were objections to closing the Croft Nursery School, the Welsh Government Minister for Education and Skills supported the proposed changes.

“The change is aimed at ensuring continuity for families throughout a child’s primary education. Queensferry and St. Ethelwolds primary schools will have all-through provision for early education for the first time. 

“Other benefits include an increase in the Flying Start childcare programme that will benefit eligible families in the area. Flying Start provides free quality, part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds, an enhanced Health Visiting service, access to Parenting Programmes and Early Language Development. 

“Staff from the Croft Nursery School will be recommended to be transferred to the two schools in order to provide the nursery provision and the Council is working closely with staff and parents and carers to support implementation.”

Councillor Chris Bithell, Cabinet Member for Education said:

“Amalgamating schools’ provision is important to ensure a sustainable education throughout the County and the approval of the plans for Queensferry CP School is another step towards providing this for all pupils across Flintshire.”