Consultation on a Proposal by Spencer Academies Trust for the Extension of the Age Range of the Academy from 4-11 years to 3-11 years
Introduction
In accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department for Education (DfE), Spencer Academies Trust is consulting on the proposal to lower the age range at Clover Leys Spencer Academy from 4 years to 3 years so as to add nursery provision with effect from September 2027.
Context
Clover Leys Spencer Academy is an established primary academy with an age range of 4-11 years, which serves the local community and in particular, the new housing development in which it sits. Current provision within the academy enables children to attend an Early Years
Foundation Stage 2 (Reception Class) setting followed by a Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The academy does not currently provide any nursery or pre-school provision. The housing development is still expanding and in due course, it is expected that the school will be expanded to meet the needs of its community.
Proposal
The school is proposing to alter the lower age limit of the school from 4 years to 3 years by extending the provision to include both Foundation Stage 1 and Foundation Stage 2 children (from the age of 3 instead of 4). The nursery will require new accommodation and the proposal is dependent on securing the capital funding to carry out the work. It is likely that the work will be associated with the wider expansion of the school.
The academy anticipates that it will offer 26 places and be able to offer the full government entitlement of 30 hours of free early years education and the option of allowing additional fee paid hours to suit individual family circumstances and preferences.
The local authority has assessed the requirement for additional places in the area and the data suggests that there is a need within the area which supports the proposal.
Consultation
The consultation on this proposal will be extended as the academy is about to go on the Summer break. It will run from Wednesday 22 July 2026 until 3pm on 23 September 2026.
A meeting will be arranged with all interested parties to explain the proposal and respond to questions. Details of this will be provided after the beginning of the September term.
This consultation document will be available from the academy and is available on the academy’s website. Any comments, observations or objections should be sent to – Malcolm Lucas – MLucas@spencertrust.org.uk