A COLEY nursery could be converted into a school for children with additional needs.
Residents are being asked to share their views about the future of The Lodge at Coley nursery in Wensley Road.
It currently has four children on its books, and is situated in the grounds of St Mary & All Saints Church of England Primary School.
At a Reading Borough Council policy meeting on Monday, June 12, councillors voted to close the nursery, due to fluctuating attendance numbers – there were 12 places last summer
Cllr Graeme Hoskin (Labour, Norcot), lead councillor for children, said: “We are just talking about two year-olds. As soon as they are three, they move into a different provision.
“It’s not something we do lightly. There could be a really good outcome if we can get special educational needs provision on site.”
Earlier, he said that staff would be redeployed to other nurseries in the town.
Cllr Anne Thompson (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) asked that staff be thanked for making improvements.
The Lodge was rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors last June, who found that a child had been outside on their own, while other children were at risk of choking due to a lack of proper oversight.
But a turnaround saw it being rated ‘Good’ after an inspection last December, with inspectors noting that safety improvements had been made.
The council feels that the space occupied by the nursery would be better used to educate SEND children.
Cllr Simon Robinson (Conservative, Emmer Green) said: “SEND provision for me is key within our communities and I’m all in favour of that as the desired outcome from this exercise.”
A consultation must be held and discussions must take place with the headteacher at St Mary & All Saints Church of England Primary School to determine its ability to welcome SEND pupils.
Cllr Hoskin said: “If we can provide special educational needs provision on this site that is something that is really strongly required and would be a real asset to the community and to the school in this area.
“That is something we will be pursuing very strongly.”
