Report by Director of Education and Leisure Demolition and Disposal of Surplus Land – Morton Nursery School

1. Summary

1.1. At its meeting of 17 January 2008 the education policy board approved the closure of Morton Nursery School in June 2008.

1.2. It is therefore proposed that Morton Nursery School be demolished and that the land, detailed in appendix 1 to this report and extending to 1612sqm or thereby, be declared surplus to requirements.

2. Recommendations

2.1 The education policy board is requested to approve: (i) the demolition of Morton Nursery School and the landscaping and other minor works required at the cleared site; (ii) that the land shown on the plan (appendix 1) attached to this report be declared surplus to requirement; and (iii) that the head of property services be authorised to enter into negotiations with any interested parties to consider alternative use of this site.

3. Background

3.1. The overall demand for pre-5 places in the Linwood area has shown a steady decline with a similar reduction in demand projected for future places in the area.

3.2. In line with legislative requirements, a formal consultation on the proposal to close Morton Nursery School was undertaken during November and December 2007.

3.3. A consultation document was issued to parents and interested parties affected by the proposal. Meetings were held with parents and members of the public, Morton Nursery staff, management from Our Lady of Peace Primary School and trade union representatives.

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3.4. Further to this consultation it was agreed that Morton Nursery School should close at the end of June 2008 and that the pre 5 places should be transferred to the nursery class within Our Lady of Peace Primary School

Implications of this report
1.
Financial Implications Demolition of Morton Nursery School will incur a one-off estimated cost of £30,000.
2.
Personnel Implications The deployment of staff following the closure would be managed under the terms of the existing council policy. It is proposed to transfer the staff to the new nursery class in Our Lady of Peace Primary School, or similar placement.
3.
Community Plan Implications
Social Inclusion
This service initiative contributes to the community plan guiding principle of social inclusion by providing pre-5 education for 3 and 4 year old children in the area; and meeting the needs of children and families.
Modernising Government
The proposals will lead to greater efficiency in the delivery of services.
Sustainable Development
Services will be sustained through existing resources.
4.
Legal Implications
None.
5.
Property Implications
Minor adaptations will be required at Our Lady of Peace Primary School.
6.
Information Technology Implications
None.
7.
Equal Opportunities Implications
Staff affected by the closure of the nursery will be redeployed through vacancy management in accordance with council procedures.
8.
Health and Safety Implications
None.


The full copy of this report is available below in it's original PDF format.

Other links of interest;

2005 inspection report Morton Nursery - http://www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/inspection/MortonNursery8632812.pdf
A very impressive report on the overall standards of Morton Nursery and yet 2 years later it is scheduled for this closure and demolition.


Other nurseries listed on Renfrewshire council web site; http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ilwwcm/publishing.nsf/Content/els-jmci-local-authority-nurseries