New Nursery Provision in the New School for 2, 3 and 4 year olds

New Primary School Nursery Places for Fir Vale

Sheffield City Council is asking for views on nursery places in Fir Vale.

The Council says the increasing number of children eligible for a nursery place on the Free Early Learning scheme means that more nursery places may be needed in this area. The Free Early Learning scheme offers 15 hours a week in a registered nursery for every eligible child.

On the 21st November 2012 Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet agreed to build a new primary school on Skinnerthorpe Road in the Fir Vale area. The original design did not include nursery space. The plans were later changed to include space to deliver nursery places, if required, in the Oasis Academy Fir Vale School.

Nurseries in the Area

The Fir Vale area currently has nursery places available at Owler Brook, Hucklow and Whiteways primary schools as well as Fir Vale Pre-school on Earl Marshall Road. There is also a Bright Stars Nursery on Bland Street and the Sunshine Day Nursery at Northern General Hospital, mostly for hospital staff.

What happens now?

Sheffield City Council is responsible for making sure that there are sufficient Free Early Learning places for children. However, the Council says there are probably not enough places to meet expected demand in the Fir Vale area. It would like to talk to local parents, existing providers and the wider community about their views and any alternative options.

Last year, the Council cut funding for the community group running Fir Vale Pre-School. At that time, the Council said there were plenty of nursery places in the area.

More detailed information on the need for the nursery can be found in the consultation document which you can get a copy of by contacting the Childcare Planning Team. (Details below)

Q&A – the Council says:

Is Early Learning free?

Yes. That’s why it’s called Free Early Learning and there are no hidden charges or costs for accessing it in a nursery. To find out where you can get a place contact Customer First: Tel- 0114 2734567

Will attending the nursery help to secure a school place?

No. There is no guarantee of a place in the school because you attend the nursery.

Why should I send my child to nursery?

Good quality childcare really helps children to develop.

They also learn to play, to make friends and take part in lots of activities which you might not be able to provide at home.

It means that when the time comes, they will be more ready for school.

It also allows you some time out to, run errands, study or even work part time.

You could even put your feet up for a while!

How you can get involved

The Childcare Planning Team would like you to complete a simple survey to help them collect your views. These are available at the venues of the meetings below or by contacting them as detailed below.

Council officers will be available at these venues between the following times to answer any questions and listen to your views if you would like to drop in and have a chat. Information will be available at the meetings and There will be comments boxes for you to post your views.

• Pakistani Advice & Community Association (PACA) 9am – 11am Monday 10th & 24th February

• Owler Brook School 1-2pm Wednesday 12th February

• Earl Marshall Youth Centre 10-11am Monday 17th February

The Council wants to know what are the most important qualities you want from the provider of early learning childcare and where would you prefer new nursery provision to be located. They are looking forward to hearing from you.

Web: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/newnursery

Email: childcareplanning@sheffield.gov.uk

Letter: Childcare Planning Team, Floor 7, Redvers House, Union Street, Sheffield,S1 2SL

Telephone: 0114 205 4031

Next steps

The council is due to publish its report on this consultation in March 2014.

The new school is due to open in September 2014.