The DfEShas granted Blackburn with Darwen Council a two-year extension of arrangements for seven of its nine maintained nursery schools as part of its children's centre programme. Since the council introduced the new governance system in 2004, all seven nursery schools have lost their headteachers and most have been absorbed into children's centres.
But Early Education is calling for an evaluation to assess the impact that removing the school's governing body would have on children's education.
Education consultant Pauline Trudell said, 'The nursery head positions were gradually disestablished so that they were effectively forced out of their jobs. The most negative thing is that, according to EPPE research, the best children's centres are built around nursery schools and here it has been based on a different model. So not only do they lose the nursery schools, but they also produce inferior centres.'
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here