Consultation on Proposed Changes to City Academy Whitehawk Nursery Provision

Aurora Academies Trust (Aurora) is consulting on a proposal to extend the age range of City Academy Whitehawk from 2–11 years to birth–11 years from 1 September 2026.

This proposed change forms part of a wider proposal to transfer Roundabout Nursery from Brighton & Hove City Council to Aurora and make it part of the City Academy Whitehawk school community.

Why is this change being proposed?

Roundabout Nursery has been an important part of the Whitehawk community for many years. Aurora Academies Trust and Brighton & Hove City Council share a commitment to ensuring that high-quality early years provision continues to be available for local children and families for the long term.

Bringing the nursery into City Academy Whitehawk would help provide greater continuity for children from their earliest years through into primary education, while also supporting closer working between nursery and school staff.

The proposal aims to:

• help secure high-quality nursery provision for the Whitehawk community into the future
• provide children with a smooth and familiar transition into school
• strengthen links between nursery and school staff
• maintain a nurturing and inclusive environment for children and families
• support the long-term stability of the provision.

About Aurora Academies Trust

Aurora Academies Trust is a family of schools with experience of providing education and care for children from nursery age through to secondary school. The Trust already operates six nurseries as part of its school provision, and early years education is an important part of its work.

Aurora is committed to creating nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued and supported to learn and develop. The Trust recognises how important consistency is for children and families and intends to listen carefully to parents, carers and staff as plans develop.

For further information about Aurora, please visit: https://www.auroraacademies.org

Nursery fees

The nursery will continue to offer funded early education places in line with government guidance and Brighton & Hove City Council’s Early Years Free Entitlement requirements.

For additional hours outside funded entitlement, Aurora is committed to keeping nursery provision as accessible and affordable as possible for local families. There are currently no plans for significant fee increases, and any future changes would be carefully considered and communicated to parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being proposed?

Aurora Academies Trust is proposing to extend the age range of City Academy Whitehawk from 2–11 years to birth–11 years from September 2026. This would allow Roundabout Nursery to become part of the City Academy Whitehawk school community.

Why is this change being proposed?

The proposal is intended to help secure high-quality nursery provision for the Whitehawk community into the future, strengthen links between nursery and school, and provide greater continuity for children and families.

When would the transfer take place?

Subject to approvals, the proposed transfer would take place from 1 September 2026.

Will nursery session times change?

There are currently no plans to make immediate changes to nursery session times or opening hours. Aurora recognises the importance of consistency and routine for children and families and will spend time understanding how the nursery currently operates before considering any future changes.

Will the nursery continue to operate all year round?

Yes. There are currently no plans to change the all-year-round nature of the nursery provision.

Will nursery meals continue?

Yes. There are currently no plans to change the provision of nursery meals.

Will nursery fees increase?

The nursery will continue to offer funded early education places in line with government guidance and Brighton & Hove City Council requirements. There are currently no plans for significant fee increases.

Will nursery staff transfer to Aurora Academies Trust?

Eligible staff would transfer to Aurora Academies Trust under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). TUPE protects employees’ terms and conditions when services transfer between employers. Staff who are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) would continue to have access to the scheme following transfer.

Will children need to move settings?

No. Children attending Roundabout Nursery would remain in the nursery setting they already know, with familiar staff and routines.

Will children automatically get a place at City Academy Whitehawk?

Admission to Reception at City Academy Whitehawk would continue to follow the school's normal admissions arrangements and Brighton & Hove City Council's admissions process.

How will Aurora Academies Trust run the nursery?

Aurora already operates six nurseries within its family of schools and has extensive experience of early years provision. The Trust's intention is to build on the nursery's existing strengths while working closely with staff and families to support its future development.

Have Your Say

The consultation is open until 3 July 2026.

We welcome views from parents, carers, staff and members of the local community.

Complete the consultation survey here: https://forms.gle/GkrT3LTi6gbDgbJ9A

The feedback received during the consultation period will help inform the implementation of the proposal and future planning for the nursery provision.

If you require this information in another format, language or need support to take part in the consultation, please contact: sarah.ferguson@place-group.com