Parents' anger at plans to axe East Ayrshire nursery head teachers

Jan 29 2010 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

A COUNCIL plan to axe nursery head teachers has parents up in arms.

Parents at both Onthank and Darvel Nurseries say their children’s early education would suffer if the proposal – part of East Ayrshire Council’s wider plan to save £7 million – goes ahead.

Anna Poggi, chairperson of Onthank Nursery Parents’ and Friends’ Group, said: “Onthank is East Ayrshire’s largest primary school and nursery.

“The nursery has a roll of 160 pupils, and already some pupils have overspilled into the Gaelic unit in the afternoon.

“This proposal to remove head teachers from nursery schools may work at some locations, but we feel it is inappropriate here, as we have such a large roll.

“Our head teacher was only made permanent last autumn and the difference she has made has been remarkable. She has inspired and led, not only the staff and the children, but the parents and wider community too, as well as bringing in additional funding to the nursery.

“She is a driving force in the school and it would be a devastating blow if we lost her.”

Kit Williamson, from Darvel Nursery Parent Committee, said parents were also ‘very angry’ at the proposals.

She said: “This is especially frustrating after losing our teacher last year. We will be fighting this all the way.

“The council has not given alternatives to the management structures, so we don’t know what we are fighting against.

“We fear that removing the head teacher would have a negative impact on our children’s early education and their transition to school.

“Research shows that children learn most before the age of seven so this early education is vital and we feel this isn’t being taken into account.”

Parents at Darvel have already started a petition, which received 90 signatures in one day, and letters of objection have been sent to the council.

Letters of objection are also being prepared by the Onthank parents who are also planning to lobby local councillors.

But the council is keen to point out this is only a proposal and a full review would have to be carried out ahead of any changes.

Kay Gilmour, head of service, community support, East Ayrshire Council, said: “If the proposal remains, then a full review will be carried out, including consultation with all appropriate stakeholders.

“The saving would be made by potentially reconfiguring some nursery schools into nursery classes managed by a primary head teacher.

“No teachers would be made redundant as opportunities would be offered elsewhere for staff affected. It is however important to note that the budget consultation at this stage is only recommending a review.

“This would have to be completed and depending on the outcome of this, it is likely a statutory consultation exercise would then be undertaken.”

The plan to review ‘managerial arrangements’ in nursery schools adjacent to primary schools could save cash-strapped East Ayrshire Council £95,000 a year.