Rental income from a former school building will support village schools in MK.
Milton Keynes Council has approved plans to repurpose a disused school building in the village of Emberton. The site, in the centre of the village, will be transformed into a nursery school for local children aged 0-4 alongside an outdoor learning centre for young people.
The nursery agreement will provide a rental income of approximately £24,000 per year which Milton Keynes Council will pass on to local village schools via the Village School Federation. This income will support neighbouring village schools and helps to protect their future.
Following the closure of Emberton School in March 2020 due to low demand, the Village School Federation worked closely with residents and the local parish council to examine how the site could be used to benefit the local community. The land, which is owned by Milton Keynes Council, has restrictions in place to ensure that it is only used for educational purposes.
Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “I’m really pleased to support these plans for the former Emberton School site, which will breathe new life into the local community and surrounding areas. We know that access to quality childcare provision is important to local families. Our site will also be providing an additional income for the Village School Federation which supports the future of MK’s rural village schools.”
The new nursery in Emberton will open early next year and will provide places for up to 37 babies, toddlers and pre-school children. It will be open 7.30am to 6.15pm Monday to Friday, all year round. In addition to the nursery, an outdoor learning centre will offer a 24 place holiday club for children aged 4-13, alongside other outdoor sessions for the local community.
To register your interest in a nursery place at Emberton from January 2022, please email info@acornearlyyears.org.uk.
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