Running on-site childcare in classrooms that may be empty as rolls fall allows primary schools to prepare pupils for reception, intervene early, and provide a “one stop shop” for families.
But “practical issues” face leaders considering renting out since-vacated spaces, who may leave themselves short should populations spike again.
Children’s commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza called this week for “underused space” in primaries to be used for early years education and childcare.
The latest government projections predict the primary school population will fall by 16.6 per cent over the next five years. Some councils are already reducing school capacity and repurposing empty classrooms.
