A consultation to widen the age range of the youngest pupils at a Newmarket school nursery has been launched.

Laureate Community Academy has announced a proposal to expand the minimum age range of its nursery school pupils to two year olds.

It is now seeking the views of parents and the wider community before making a decision.

David Perkins, headteacher at Laureate Community Academy, said: “Our current age range across the whole school is three years old up to 11.

“Our nursery plays a crucial role in the early development of our children by offering teacher-supported play for three and four year olds, prior to them joining the school.

“The Unity Schools Partnership, of which Laureate is a member, feels that this proposal presents an exciting opportunity for the school to expand its high-quality education to include two year olds and help us extend and improve the Early Years facilities.”

Other objectives of the proposal include offering more children the best possible start in their education and to provide local parents with a greater choice of Early Years provision.

Laureate Community Academy currently provides up to 26 nursery places in both morning and afternoon sessions – both of which will remain unchanged regardless of the outcome of the consultation.

Mr Perkins said he wanted to hear comments and questions about the proposal from parents, carers, staff and the local community before the consultation ends on Thursday 30th May.

A decision will then be made by the Unity Schools Partnership as to whether to go ahead with the proposal.

If they do, the trust will submit an application to the Department for Education, requesting that the change in age range takes effect from Sunday 1st September 2019.