NEW NURSERY PLANNED FOR PEMBREY SCHOOL

Plans are in hand to introduce a new early years class at Pembrey Primary School.

Children will be able to attend from the age of three if the proposal is approved.

The current age range is four to 11, and there is Flying Start provision for children aged from two to three.

However, between the ages of three and four there is no mainstream school education provision for pupils.

Carmarthenshire County Council is now planning to introduce early years provision which will bridge the gap, so that children can progress from Flying Start to mainstream education.

Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded programme which is available in targeted areas to provide intensive support services for young children and their families.

Education executive board member Cllr Gareth Jones said one of the advantages of Flying Start being offered on the same site as the school was that it would provide seamless transition for children.

“There is currently a gap in the provision of education at Pembrey between the ages of three and four,” Cllr Jones said.

“This has presented the council with a challenge whereby children can benefit in respect of appropriate education provision for almost a year until they are admitted to school.

“Therefore, to ensure continuity of progression for these learners into primary school,

the County Council proposes to provide early years education provision at Pembrey.

“The children would then benefit through the Flying Start programme until they access education in a maintained early years class.

“The headteacher and governing body have been consulted on the proposed arrangements and are fully supportive.”

Consultation on the proposal is being carried out from now until January 29, with copies of the document being made available to a number of stakeholders including parents and the local community.

The results will be published on the council website early in the New Year.

• To take part in the consultation visit i-Local or go here