Stracathro school campaigners’ anger over “misleading” no nursery places message on national information portal

Stracathro school parents have condemned a council mistake which gave the false impression the nursery at the rural primary was not welcoming new faces.

The school was saved from the axe last year after a determined show of people power led by the parent council reversed a closure plan which would have seen children sent to an expanded Edzell primary.

A leading figure in the successful campaign has hit out at the authority for providing information to a government website suggesting Stracathro nursery has no vacancies, but places are available at Edzell.

The www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk provides a range of information for families, including childcare availability such as nurseries, childminders, playgroups and out of school care.

Stracathro parent council vice-chairperson, Lee Ann Waddell said: “We find it very frustrating that once again the council is falsely advertising the capacity status of Stracathro primary school and nursery and by default turning away potential new pupils.

“The battle was fought and rightly won last year as to Stracathro earning its right to a place in the Angus schools portfolio, yet here we are, still in a position where nearby Edzell primary is being promoted as an available option to parents who are looking for a rural school choice for their child within the Brechin cluster.

“Due to the nature of the fabric of our catchment area, new families frequently move into the surrounding estates, many of whom, as was the case with myself when we moved to the area, have little local knowledge,” she added.

“These parents rely on the information available to them on the Scottish Families Information website which is updated based on information provided directly by Angus Council.

“Research shows that it is unlikely that once settled in a school nursery environment, that it is highly unlikely that a parent will then opt to uproot and move them when it is time for transition to primary school.

“Therefore, if potential pupils are being turned away at the point of entry, then it will impact the school as a whole down the line.

“The latest inspection of the nursery by Education Scotland gave the highest possible mark for quality of care and support, proof that Stracathro nursery, in its unrivalled setting is a great choice for any parent considering their nursery options, not only those from within the catchment area of the school.”

Angus Council said there are currently three pupils at the nursery and the website had now been updated to reflect the availability of places.