Please support us to save our lovely nursery school. It's our final chance!

Sign our petition and, most importantly, send your official objection to the Vale of Glamorgan by emailing sustainablecommunitiesforlearning@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk before Wednesday 16 March.   

For more information, visit www.savebutecottagenursery.co.uk 

* The story so far * 

Last Autumn, the Vale of Glamorgan Council launched a public consultation on a proposal to amalgamate Bute Cottage Nursery School with Evenlode Primary School. 71% of responses to the consultation were against the proposal, but it was approved by the Vale of Glamorgan Cabinet.

* What’s happening now * 

Despite widespread opposition, the proposal has now moved to the next phase. A statutory notice has been issued, open for objections, which closes on Wednesday, March 16.

Without any objections being registered, the changes will proceed, and Bute Cottage Nursery School will cease to exist, becoming Evenlode Nursery Unit – losing the unique magic that makes it such a special nursery for our 3-4 year olds.

This is your final chance to make an official objection to the proposal.

* What would amalgamation mean? * 

The proposal would see Bute Cottage Nursery discontinued from September 2022. The governance of the nursery would be transferred to Evenlode.

The current proposal is for nursery provision to continue to be provided from the existing site. However, amalgamation would result in the loss of the independence and autonomy of Bute Cottage. It would no longer have its own head teacher, governing body or independent budget.

The Governors of Bute Cottage Nursery School are OPPOSED to this notice.  They believe there is not a strong rationale or compelling vision for this change and that it is not in the best interests of the pupils of Bute Cottage.

They also believe 3-4 year old children at Bute Cottage currently benefit from a highly specialised staff and leadership team, dedicated resources spent exclusively on the children that they are meant for, and sector-leading educational experiences leading to a child-centred learning approach where each child is supported and nurtured to achieve the highest possible standards.

* How to Save Bute Cottage * 
If you want to save Bute, we urge you to write an email or letter of objection to the council now. Time is limited, the deadline is Wednesday, March 16 so please don’t delay or your view will not be considered.

Objections should be sent to:
Paula Ham, Director of Learning and Skills, The Vale of Glamorgan Council, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU or e-mail sustainablecommunitiesforlearning@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Please also spread the word. There is a lot of support for Bute Cottage and we want to make sure everyone knows that this is the last opportunity to fight for it to be preserved as it is today. Share with family members, friends and the wider community so we can come together as one voice with one goal; Saving Bute Cottage.

What to talk about:

Please note, the scope of this proposal is specifically about the amalgamation of Bute Cottage with Evenlode Primary School.

While the prospect of the school site closing or relocation is a hot topic, it has been made clear that the council will not consider any objection which refers to this. Make sure your view isn’t discounted simply because you’ve stated your concerns about this potentially happening in the future.

Any parent who has been blessed enough to have had a child at Bute Cottage knows just how wonderful it is. It is a nursery school like no other. The site is incredible with a huge outdoor space where the children play, learn and explore - if you've seen it, you'll know it could never be replicated. The teachers are committed, passionate and genuinely care for the pupils in one of the most inspiring learning environments you could wish for. 

Bute Cottage is an absolute gem in the Vale of Glamorgan - one we should be committed to preserving for our future generations. Amalgamation would be a loss felt heavily both by former 'Buties' and their families as well as the entire community. 

By objecting in writing now and signing this petition, you're showing how many of us love Bute Cottage and are appealing not to lose it.