Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: August 26, 2025

Purpose: Report of the Cabinet Member for Children and Learning seeking approval for proposals related to Valentine Primary School

Content: Having complied with paragraph 15 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.   (i)  To approve extending the age range of Valentine Primary School from 4 – 11 years to 0 – 11years of age by opening a school-based nursery operating from the school site. (ii)  To approve the addition of up to £119,000 capital grant awarded by the DfE into the Council’s Capital programme. (iii)  To approve the spend of up to £119,000 capital grant award, in line with the grant terms and conditions and MOU.

Reasons for the decision: Southampton City Council has a Statutory Duty under the Childcare Acts 2006 and 2016 to ensure that there is the sufficient supply of high quality, affordable and flexible childcare choices available, in response to changes in parental demands. From September 2025 the government will launch the final stage of the biggest ever expansion of childcare by extending the funded early years places, up to 30hrs a week for children aged from 9 months old. The Council has been working closely with existing and prospective childcare providers including childminders, to encourage and support the expansion of new targeted places in response to termly demand changes. The school’s proposal to develop their own nursery, including those aged from birth not only fully fulfils the Council’s statutory obligations, but also supports the local community and national government policy. It ensures through a proven track record that local children will have access to the highest quality services available to them. The proposal also supports the Council’s wider 10-year Strategic City and Corporate Plans. Lastly, unlike stand alone nurseries such as Startpoint Sholing, the economies of scale having the nursery linked to a school, ensures a sustainable operating model that is integral to the school’s budget deficit plan. Furthermore, the outcome of the recent public consultation on these proposals, highlights that over 81% of respondents fully support the proposals with 72% strongly.agreeing their support.

Alternative options considered: Do nothing. This option was rejected given the overwhelming benefits this additional provision can bring.