Wigton Infant School will now be able to offer nursery places following a decision by Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet today.
The decision extends the age range the school can accept from four to seven years old to two to seven years old.
The decision is the culmination of joint work by the school, the county council and Longthwaite Road Pre-School to ensure continued provision of Early Years places in the town. It reflects the difficulties the pre-school had in recruiting and retaining volunteers for their management committee which had resulted in a risk of closure
The move was overwhelmingly supported by respondents to a consultation on the issue.
The new arrangements will be in place from September.
Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, said: “This is a good outcome for children and families in Wigton. Longthwaite Road Pre-School has provided a great service to the town but circumstances meant that its future was at risk. By working together and increasing the age range at the school we keep that vital Early Years provision in Wigton and support the future sustainability of the school. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their efforts and wish everyone the very best for the new start in September.”
