Lancashire County Council launched a major review into provision in May, after a report revealed a surplus of more than 1,000 places in Rossendale's nursery and primary schools (Nursery World, 26 May).
However, the council last week agreed to 'a period of further consideration' following some 'alternative suggestions' raised during the public consultation.
Lyn Rider, headteacher of Bacup Nursery School, who has been campaigning vigorously to keep her setting open, said, 'I want to offer full daycare and hope to have this in place by January next year. An extension to the consultation will enable us to implement our plans and will put us in a stronger position to fight any closure proposals.'
A spokesperson from the council said, 'Any further consultation would most likely take place in the spring term with a decision the following autumn, which would take effect from September 2007.'
Visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/education/primross for more information.
