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Merger outcome

Decision notice

The Early Years Reference Group (EYRG) met on 18th June to review the consultation findings and reports for the proposed merger of Kymbrook Primary School and Kymbrook Pre-school which would come into effect on 1st January 2026.

Members at the meeting included representation from the following early years groups: a college, an academy primary school with early years, a maintained nursery school, a private nursery, a private pre-school and a charity pre-school.  

The merger was agreed by the EYRG with the understanding that the school will:

  • Ensure all early years staff have access to the Bedford Borough Early Years Training Directory and are able to attend events and training to ensure a high quality setting and effective CPD.
  • Ensure all staff have full and recognised EYFS qualifications, if qualified (within ratio of the EYFS requirements).
  • Engage in the Professional Study Groups led by the Council school improvement team (Judith Lovely is the head of school improvement and can be contacted for any queries at Judith.Lovely@bedford.gov.uk)
  • Continue to work in partnership with local early years settings ,including the private, voluntary and independent sector (PVI’s), ensuring families within the community are supported and all early years settings work together to ensure viability.
  • Engage and participate in the Early Years Hubs programme.
  • Ensure governors can support with the high quality of the early years provision with access to early years governor training and the Foundation Stage Forum.

 

The proposal was approved as members of the EYRG felt that the merger would enable a smoother transition, improving the outcomes of children in the early years phase, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and pupils who do not speak English as a first language. Closer liaison between the staff of the two organisations will allow a focus on outcomes for the children, supported by a consistent and professional management structure. Kymbrook Primary School is rated ‘good’ across all categories by OFSTED (last inspection 16th July 2024) and the Council feels that the school are in a strong position to open an early year’s nursery provision.