Decision details

Following the request made by Cabinet on 17 May 2005 this report will detail the outcome of the impact assessment and set out policy recommendations.

229/2005 The Cabinet agreed that the Director of Education and Leisure be authorised to publish a public notice stating the intention to vary the age range of Bligh Infant School to allow the admission of children aged 3 years.
230/2005 The Cabinet agreed that the Director of Education and Leisure be authorised to publish a public notice stating the intention to vary the age range of Delce Infant School to allow the admission of children aged 3 years.
231/2005 The Cabinet agreed that the emerging Children and Young People's Plan for Medway takes into account the key findings of the report, and reflects the view that the development of all-through foundation stage education at schools is generally beneficial, together with support for developing childcare in partnership with private sector providers.

The impact assessment provided sufficient information for Members to make a decision about future policy on the education of three year-olds. By incorporating these findings into the draft Children and Young People's (CYP) Plan Members will have a further opportunity to consider young children's care and learning when considering the CYP Plan as a whole in future months.Public consultation on changing the age range of Bligh Infant and Delce Infant schools has been completed, and the clear recommendation is that publication of statutory notices for these schools is in the interests of young children in the area. Should there be a formal objection to any of the proposals set out in the public notice, the final decision will be taken by the independent Schools Organisation Committee.