Tullibody parents voice fears over Banchory ELC admission proposal

Banchory PS and ELC Parent Council expressed alarm and surprise at the savings proposal – which has been put forward by Clackmannanshire Council officers as one of many for elected members to consider ahead of the budget.

Found in the council's budget engagement booklet, with feedback invited from residents as part of a consultation, the local authority could save £483,333 with the move.

The proposal is for Banchory ELC class not to accept any new admissions for 2023-24 with parents offered places in “surrounding” nurseries.

These would include Tulach, Menstrie, Park and Sauchie ELCs.

Parents met last week to collect views on the proposals.

There are concerns by parents who already have a child or children attending and those looking to enrol in 2023-24 and while the council did not say Banchory would be affected down the line, there are fears over the long-term future as well.

Emma Wilson, parent council chair, said: “[Parents] raised concerns around practicalities to potentially need to be in two places at the one time and even if times were staggered, there are daily issues with transport and the cost implications of this, especially considering the current cost of living crisis.

CONCERNS: Banchory PS and ELC Parent Council voiced fears over the future of the school as budget proposals call for no new admissions to the ELC in 2023-24 - Pictures by John Howie

“Families were very concerned about the impact sending their child to an alternative nursery would have on settling their children into primary school, particularly for those in the Banchory catchment area, and they thought it would lead to less effective relationships being established and the identification of any additional needs or safeguarding, which ultimately impacts the ability to maximise children’s learning and wellbeing.”

She added Banchory supports a higher than average per cent of children with additional needs and that the school falls into one of the most deprived areas of Scotland, according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

“This means that priority must be given to this specific community to nurture and enhance the life chances of our children and young people and the approach to the way in which children are supported to access education is critical to that, through strong, planned transitions,” Emma added.

In the most recent Care Inspectorate report, the ELC received grades of “very good” with inspectors emphasising the effectiveness of transition activities which resulted in children being “settled and secure”.

The proposal is part of phase two of this year's budget engagement process, set against a challenging financial background.

Council chief executive Nikki Bridle previously said: “We are only too aware that the cost of living crisis is placing strain on our citizens and communities, therefore, we are asking for views on proposals to help shape upcoming budget decisions which will be made by councillors within the next two months.”

Visit clacks.gov.uk/council/budget2324/ until Sunday, February 19.