New nursery for St Ninian’s
Councillor Caroline Shiers A Perth primary school is to get a new nursery in a bid to keep it open.
At a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee on Wednesday, elected members agreed to establish a new non-denominational nursery class at St Ninian’s Episcopal Primary School.
This comes after the Dunkeld Road school was under review last year, with closure being one of the options on the table.
However, after hardfought campaigning from the community, education bosses at the local authority have agreed to keep the school open – and start a nursery class to boost the school roll.
The decision was passed unanimously.
Councillor John Rebbeck, the SNP group’s education spokesperson, said: “Any imaginative use of school buildings is to be welcomed, and I’m extremely encouraged to see early years’ expansion.
“We support the nursery proposal and hopefully it will support the school roll as the children transition from nursery into primary.”
Cllr Willie Wilson, viceconvener of the committee, said: “This will encourage young people to send their kids to the new nursery and the synergy between nursery attendance and the primary school should enhance the roll.
“We should be proud St Ninian’s is part of Perth’s heritage. It is one of only two Episcopalian schools in Scotland.
“However, I think even more importantly, the school location is extremely valuable, because it is just on the periphery of the city centre.
“That allows choice for people who live slightly north of the school and in the new housing west, and those in the city centre.
“I would like to thank all parents who got involved in the process. It is very encouraging.”
In passing the paper, committee convener Councillor Caroline Shiers said: “I’m delighted we can unanimously agree on this.
“It is a fantastic wee school and personally I would like to thank all the members of the parent council for their efforts. I am looking forward to the next phase.”
A timescale for the nursery will be known following the completions of the upcoming statutory consultation process.