A Shropshire primary school has been given permission to add a new building to provide extra nursery places.
Radbrook Primary School in Shrewsbury had applied to Shropshire Council for a lawful development certificate to replace its demountable building with a new modular early years facility.
The authority approved the application earlier this month.
In a letter to the council the school’s headteacher, Emma Thelwell, said the proposal was a direct response to falling pupil numbers and would help secure the long-term sustainability of the school.
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The school, which is part of the Severn Bridges Multi Academy Trust, was awarded funding from the Department for Education for the project.
The school said: “This funding is not just an investment in our early spaces – it is an investment in our community, our families and the future of every child who begins their learning journey with us.”
Mrs Thelwell’s letter explained: “This proposal responds directly to falling pupil numbers, increased demand for funded childcare places, and the need to secure long-term sustainability for the school while meeting the needs of families in the Shrewsbury area.”
The letter says that the new modular facility would enable the creation of 21 new nursery places – six places for under-twos, and 15 places for two-year-olds.
The building will have dedicated rooms for under-twos and two-year-olds, wet-play and quiet areas, accessible toilets and changing facilities, a kitchen area, office and staff space, as well as age-appropriate furniture and safety equipment.
The letter adds: “This development will allow Radbrook to expand and enrich its early years learning environment, increase access to high-quality early education, and strengthen school readiness for children across the community.”
The submission also explains that the school currently is admitting fewer pupils each year than its capacity allows for.
It said the overall number for the school should be 330, but the figure for this year is 279.
The application explains that the age and limited space of the existing demountable building is preventing the school from safely accommodating under-twos and two-year-olds.
The conclusion states: “The modular building is essential to delivering the school’s approved early years expansion, meeting local childcare needs, and ensuring Radbrook’s long-term sustainability.
“It will provide high-quality, inclusive early education for children aged nine months to four years, strengthen community provision, and secure the future of the school.”
The proposed modular building will be located in the south-east corner of the main school site, on part of an existing tarmac play area between the main school buildings and the school playing field.
The design statement submitted with the plan says: “The three bay modular building, (9.0 x11.8m) will include a single main playroom space of 59sqm with a 7.0 sqm staff office and a lobby of 8.0m.
“The accommodation will also include a small kitchen area with pupil toilets and a disabled / staff wc. The proposed nursery building will be accessed from the existing tarmac play area to the south-east of the main school buildings, with a DDA compliant timber ramp for safe and inclusive access.”
Source: https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/primary-school-given-permission-for-essential-building-to-provide-nursery-places-9222031