A Reading nursery is set to close and be converted into a place to educate special needs children – but the council has to seek public opinion on the move.

Residents are being asked to share their views in a consultation on the future of The Lodge at Coley nursery in Wensley Road.

The small nursery, which currently looks after four children, is situated in the grounds of St Mary & All Saints Church of England Primary School.

At a Reading Borough Concil policy meeting on Monday, councillors voted to close the nursery part of the school and convert it into space for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The move is being justified due to declining and fluctuating attendance numbers at The Lodge. Recently, children in attendance went down from 12 in summer 2022 to four in autumn 2022.

READ MORE: Nursery could close and be converted into school places for special needs children

Graeme Hoskin (Labour, Norcot), lead councillor for children said: “We are just talking about 2 year-olds, as soon as they move to 3 years-old they move into a different provision.

“It’s not something we do lightly. There could be a really good outcome if we can get special educational needs provision on site.”

Earlier, he said that staff would be redeployed to other nurseries in the town.

Cllr Anne Thompson (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) asked that staff be thanked for making improvements.

The Lodge was previously rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors last June, who found that a child had been on their own outside and other children were at risk of choking due to a lack of proper oversight.

READ MORE: Lodge at Coley nursery rated as 'inadequate' after inspector saw child left outside alone and others at risk of choking

But a turnaround saw it being rated ‘Good’ after an inspection last December, with inspectors noting that safety improvements had been made.

However, the council’s administration has felt that the space occupied by the nursery would be better used to educate SEND children, a view that was shared by opposition councillors.

Cllr Simon Robinson (Conservative, Emmer Green) said: “SEND provision for me is key within our communities and I’m all in favour of that as the desired outcome from this exercise.”

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In order for the closure to take place, the council must hold a consultation with residents.

Discussions must also take place with the headteacher at  St. Mary & All Saints Church of England Primary School to determine its ability to provide teaching and care to SEND pupils.

Cllr Hoskin said: “If we can provide special educational needs provision on this site that is something that is really strongly required and would be a real asset to the community and to the school in this area.

“That is something we will be pursuing very strongly.”

The council’s policy committee unanimously agreed to begin the consultation to  determine the impact of the closure of the nursery on Monday, June 13.