A PROPOSAL to open a nursery at a Penarth Primary school has been approved by the Vale council following a public consultation.

Fairfield Primary school will see a nursery class for 48 part-time places with the age range of pupils at the school extended from three to 11 years old.

The consultation was undertaken between January 3, and February 14 this year.

The Vale council received 43 individual responses with 32 supporting the proposal and 11 against.

Key concerns among those with objections were the impact on Bute Cottage and Cogan nursery schools, the impact on Fairfield’s standards and the transition arrangements.

The report, put before Vale council cabinet members on Monday, March 20, said: “Evidence gathered from the council’s admissions process, schools and parents suggests that the lack of a nursery is a considered factor when parental choice is made with regard to a preferred school.”

Respondents in favour of the proposal cited better continuity of provision being important for social and academic reasons; better transition with children already familiar with the school; and improved standards.

The report added: “Respondents noted that a nursery would meet future demand and provide high quality nursery places in the Penarth area.

"Reference was made to the fact that Bute Cottage nursery is oversubscribed every year.”

Some parents noted that having a nursery and primary school on the same site would make it easier for them.

The school was last inspected by Estyn in November 2010 and the following report stated the school's current performance and prospects for improvement were both good.

The building will require some adaptation to make it is suitable for nursery provision which is estimated to cost in the region of £20,000.

This cost will be met with funding which has been set aside in the council's capital spending programme.