An independent nursery school is to be taken under the leadership of a local primary school in a move which will help its youngsters transition into education.
Mount Esk Nursery School, in Bonnyrigg, will close in August next year and be redesignated as the nursery class of nearby Hawthornden Primary.
The nursery, which currently has 44 children in its care, will remain in its existing building which is 350 yards from the school and will be overseen by the primary head teacher.
A public meeting over the plans was held last November in the town with seven people attending while a consultation on the proposals attracted 29 responses with people split over whether they approved or disapproved.
A report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland said there were concerns from some parents and staff about the additional pressure which would be placed on the senior management team at Hawthornden but said the proposed move was ‘broadly welcomed’.
It said: “HM Inspectors agree that there are potential educational benefits to
closing Mount Esk Nursery School and re-designating it to Hawthornden
Primary School.
“There is scope to strengthen transition arrangements from nursery to primary one and develop joint approaches to learning and teaching and inclusion.
“Should the proposal be approved, the council needs now to produce a clear plan for implementation, both in the short and longer term. The council should
also ensure that progress with the implementation is communicated to all
stakeholders.”
The plans to redesignate the nursery to the school were unanimously approved at a meeting of Midlothian Council this week.
Cabinet spokesperson for education Councillor Ellen Scott welcomed the move telling colleagues: “I think this will improve conditions for all pupils so I am very happy about this.”
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
