Proceeds from the sale of a nursery school site could be re-invested to create extra childcare places.
Cabinet will consider proposals to dispose of the former Walbrook Nursery School site in Normanton when it meets on Wednesday 9 September.
Walbrook Nursery School is closing to merge with Pear Tree Infant School as part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme.
If plans are agreed, the Council would look to dispose of the site after the nursery closes at the end of October. The money raised could then help fund improvements and additional childcare places.
Funds from the sale would be ring-fenced specifically for early years and childcare projects. This money could fund a new grant scheme to boost capacity and upgrade facilities, with a strong focus on meeting demand in Normanton.
Local nurseries, schools, and eligible childcare providers would be able to bid for capital grants. The funding will help create places for children aged 9 months to 3 years and expand wraparound care for primary school pupils, subject to meeting Government criteria and value-for-money checks.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
Good early years care gives children a strong foundation for starting school while helping parents balance work and family life. Reinvesting funds from this site into modern facilities means we can create additional places where demand is highest.
You can view all the papers on the council’s democracy portal and watch the Cabinet meeting live on YouTube.