Proposal to lower the school’s age range from 4–11 to 2–11

Manuden Primary School is consulting on a proposal to establish nursery provision within the school and to change the school’s registered age range from 4–11 years to 2–11 years.

The proposed nursery would initially provide places primarily for children aged three and four, with the flexibility to admit eligible two-year-olds in the future where there is sufficient demand and the appropriate staffing, accommodation and statutory requirements can be met.

No final decision has yet been made. The proposal is subject to consultation, consideration by the Governing Board and the necessary approvals from Essex County Council.

Consultation dates

Consultation opens: Monday 21 September 2026
Consultation closes: Friday 23 October 2026

We welcome views from current and prospective families, local residents, schools, childminders, nurseries, pre-schools and other early-years providers.

What are we proposing?

Our current proposal is to establish school-led nursery provision within Manuden Primary School’s existing Early Years Foundation Stage.

The provision would initially be aimed primarily at children aged three and four, with the flexibility to admit eligible two-year-olds in the future where there is sufficient demand and the appropriate staffing and accommodation requirements can be met.

The current proposal is for:

• term-time provision, Monday to Friday;
• morning sessions from 8.45am–11.45am;
• full-day provision from 8.45am–3.00pm;
• access to the universal funded early education entitlement; and
• extended funded hours for eligible families.

Nursery and Reception children would be accommodated within the school’s existing EYFS provision, creating an integrated Nursery and Reception environment.

The precise operating model will be informed by the consultation and evidence of local demand.

Have your say

Please complete our short consultation survey. You do not need to have a child currently attending Manuden Primary School to respond.

Your views will help us understand the level of local demand, the type of provision families may require, the potential impact on existing childcare providers and any concerns or suggestions relating to the proposal.

Complete the Nursery Consultation Survey

Link that text/button to:

Manuden Primary School Nursery Consultation survey

Consultation closes: Friday 23 October 2026

You can read the full consultation document below, which explains the proposal, rationale and next steps in more detail.