PLANS for the nursery of a new all-through school in Abergavenny to be privately-run have been scrapped following a backlash.

Monmouthshire council has amended its plans for creating an all-through provision on the site of King Henry VIII school following a public consultation.

The plans include closing Deri View Primary and King Henry VIII Schools, and opening a new all-through school from September 2023.

But most people who responded to a public consultation opposed the proposed governance arrangements due to plans for the nursery to be non-maintained.

This included the governing bodies of both schools.

A report coming before the council’s cabinet next week has put forward amended proposals for a three-19 school which will include a maintained nursery.

The report on the outcomes of the public consultation says: “The most significant area of concern was the nature of the nursery provision.

“The original rationale in the consultation was to test the benefits of a non-maintained setting.

“It became very clear during the consultation process that this was not supported by a significant part of the community.”

A maintained nursery – which is currently provided at Deri View Primary School – is part of the school and is managed by the headteacher.

A non-maintained nursery can offer more flexibility, but concerns were raised it could result in increased costs for families.

The new school development represents a £50.2 million investment and is part of the council’s 21st century schools band B programme, which is funded 65 per cent by Welsh Government and 35 per cent by the local authority.

The proposals include places for 30 nursery pupils, 420 primary pupils, 1,200 students aged 11-16 and 200 sixth formers.

Specialist provision for children with complex neurodevelopmental and learning needs will also be included, with accommodation for 71 pupils provided.

A report says the school will be “one of the most significant capital projects that Monmouthshire County Council has ever engaged in”.

“For that reason alone, it is vital that we take head of the messages emerging from the consultation process,” it adds.

Monmouthshire council’s cabinet will consider the amended proposals at a meeting next Wednesday.

The cabinet will consider agreeing to move forward with publishing statutory notices in line with the proposals.