FOUR Houghton Regis lower schools have been given the go-ahead to extend their age ranges after approval from Central Beds Council.
Hawthorn Park Lower School in Parkside Drive, Thomas Whitehead Lower School in Angels Lane, Thornhill Lower School in Grove Road and Tithe Farm Lower School in Tithe Farm Road will welcome children aged three to 11 from September 2013.
Fully supported by headteachers and governers at all four schools, the decision, made by Councillor Mark Versallion, followed an extensive consultation process.
Since the plans were approved for consultation in February, the views of staff, parents and children have been taken into consideration.
Both the proposals and consultation process followed a series of strict guidelines set out by the Department for Education to ensure a fair decision was made.
Mr Versallion, member for children’s services, said: “This is a decision which is right for Houghton Regis.
“There was significant parental support and demand for the proposed change in age range at each of the four schools.”
The changes mean there will be 420 places for pupils aged five to 11 at Hawthorn Park; 420 places at Tithe Farm; 308 places at Thomas Whitehead; and 210 places at Thornhill.
There will also be 78 and 60 part-time nursery places at Tithe Farm and Thornhill respectively.
And provisions are in place for 79 and 44 part-time nursery places at Hawthorn Park and Thomas Whitehead respectively.
Mr Versallion added: “There is a strong belief within all four schools that removing the disruption of a school transfer in Year 4 will be particularly beneficial.
“This is an important decision that is likely to prompt other schools to look at their provision and could lead to a wider reshaping of the education system within Central Bedfordshire.”