A primary school’s nursery may be permanently closed due to a significant drop in enrollment, despite the main school being overrun with applications.
Springfield Primary School in Sheffield had previously decided to temporarily close its 52-place nursery in September of last year. A new report presented to councillors has suggested that the temporary closure, which can last up to two years, may become permanent unless the nursery reopens.
The Sheffield City Council’s children, education, and families policy committee is scheduled to discuss the proposal on Tuesday, September 3.
Decline in Enrollment
The Local Democracy Reporting Service highlighted that while the number of children entering reception year in the Springfield catchment area has increased to about 82, the nursery’s situation is quite different. The main school is oversubscribed, with waiting lists ranging from seven to 27 children in various year groups.
However, the nursery for three to four-year-olds has experienced a notable decline in enrollment. The report indicated that despite the school’s efforts to boost numbers, the number of children enrolled has decreased from 39 in 2018-19 to just 16 in 2022-23.
This decline has resulted in a yearly deficit of £50,000 for the nursery, which requires at least 34 children to break even financially. Additionally, the school faces a high mobility rate due to its diverse student body, including children of overseas students and refugees, which leads to frequent changes in enrollment.
If the council approves the closure, it must undergo a legally required consultation period, expected to last four weeks before any final decision is made.