Ely Primary School Provides New Reception Class For Expected Rise in 2010 Intake

THE Lantern Primary School in Ely is to cater for more children living in the area by providing an extra Reception class for children eligible to start school in September 2010.

The decision, taken by Cambridgeshire County Council, means The Lantern will have three Reception classes in September 2010, providing for a total of 90 children aged from four to five.

The Lantern will provide an additional Reception class in 2010 only, while the county council continues to work with other primary schools in Ely to ensure there are sufficient primary school places available from 2011 onwards to meet predicted demand.

Children entering the Lantern Primary School in 2010 will be able to remain in that school until they transfer to secondary school at age 11.

The headteacher and governing body of The Lantern agreed to provide the temporary class because the school was able to use an existing classroom - although as the school grows there will eventually be a need for one class to be provided in temporary accommodation.

Jan Cobley, headteacher of The Lantern Primary School said: "This arrangement will mean that four-year-olds in Ely will be able to go to a school in the city, rather than one in a surrounding village. The governors recognised that this was important for the children concerned as they start their education and begin to form friendships which will last for many years. It puts the focus firmly on the child."

Cllr David Harty, Cambridgeshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Learning added: "I am impressed with the way the headteachers and governors of the Ely schools have worked together to come to this temporary solution. I would like to thank them all for helping the county council resolve the continuing challenges that rising pupil numbers in Ely bring.

"A continuation of this positive approach means I am confident that we can find a solution to providing the additional places that will also be needed in 2011.