Save Bute Cottage campaigners have launched a new website to raise awareness of the issues that a proposed amalgamation would create.

Their new website details the campaign's response to the Vale of Glamorgan Council consultation to amalgamate the independent Bute Cottage Nursery

School with Evenlode Primary School.

If approved, the proposal will see Bute Cottage "discontinued" and campaigners are concerned this will lead to the loss of its identity,

autonomy and unique culture which has led to it becoming an exemplary school.

The proposal would also see Bute Cottage's budget reduced by £70,000 and subsequently pooled with Evenlode Primary with no assurance that the existing provision would be safeguarded for nursery pupils.

While council statements claim there are no "immediate plans" to close Bute Cottage and its well-resourced grounds, the consultation document states that if this proposal is approved, the council would "prioritise" relocating nursery provision at Evenlode onto a single site.

The full statement reads:

"The Council has allocated £1.362m as part of the 21st Century Schools

Programme to support reconfiguration of nursery provision in Penarth.

"Should the proposals be approved, the Council would prioritise relocating nursery provision at Evenlode Primary School onto a single site.

"The Council would undertake a full feasibility assessment and any plans would be subject to a separate consultation exercise as part of the planning process."

More than 900 have now signed the 'Save Bute Cottage Nursery School' petition and the new website not only details the issues the proposed amalgamation raises but is calling for people to take action; supporting the campaign, replying to the consultation and sharing it

widely so the voices of many are heard.

Penarth parent Michelle Mcgrath said: "The first experience of education molds our children's future. Bute Cottage is an absolute leader in that first experience for our children. It is a privilege that my daughter went there.

"The teachers at Bute Cottage are exceptional. Their individual strengths combined with working as a team excels the approach of learning styles which makes this nursery stand out as an exemplary nursery! It's winning awards, it shows that this nursery is essential for future generations, it must be protected."

Parent Bethan Fullerton commented: "I am opposed to the amalgamation of Bute Cottage Nursery and Evenlode Primary School. I believe that the merger will result in a loss of identity for Bute Cottage Nursery which will impact the education provided to the children

who attend the nursery.

"Currently being a separate school, they can maintain independence

and can set their own targets and goals. With the nursery being a specific nursery age school, it provides a wonderful nurturing environment for what can be a daunting adventure for a three year old.

"All this combines to provide a fantastic early years education for the

children who attend the nursery."

Parent Kelly-jo Milford said: "Bute cottage is a special, nurturing environment which cannot be replicated within a larger learning environment, which, if Bute is amalgamated with Evenlode will happen.

"The outdoor learning provision in Bute is unique and comforting almost like a nest which encourages the children to feel safe, emotionally and physically which develops confidence from within to take part in risk taking and role and mastery play amongst many other play types which Bute facilitates and contributes to. As we all know if a child takes part in these types of play at a young age their self-confidence, self-worth and

knowledge of their mental and physical safety develops self-reliance which many children do not have an opportunity to experience in this day and age.

"From my daughter's experience, I have seen her confidence in her decision making and knowledge of the wider world and how she can affect it, has helped her to develop into a tolerant and caring five year old child, who absolutely adored her teachers and fellow pupils who attended with her. Bute's unique teaching style and use of outdoors in an already beautiful safe location cannot be lost by loss of independence or funding - which if amalgamated Bute would lose to Evenlode which as we know Is underfunded already.

The amazing staff at Bute deserve to continue to give many other children the wonderful opportunities and care which my child was also lucky and privileged to receive. As a playworker and forest school leader, I think Bute is the most amazing learning space a child can possibly experience."

Mum-of-two Laura Windeatt added: "Anyone who knows Bute Cottage knows that the current set-up works well; the children are well nurtured and have the most wonderful, inspiring start to their education.

"While Evenlode is a great primary school, change is always unknown and there are no guarantees as to what amalgamation will bring. What we do know is that it will lead to a period of disruption after Bute loses its autonomy, independence, identity and standalone budget.

"Therefore, why change something which isn't broken. In fact, Bute Cottage is far from broken, it's an exemplary learning setting which is leading the way in nursery education.

"We're also concerned about the future. There are no guarantees that the existing investment will be safeguarded for nursery children and while it has been widely said that there are no 'plans' within this proposal to close Bute Cottage, nobody seems to be addressing the fact the consultation clearly states a single-site is a priority and that a feasibility assessment is the next step. We all need assurances about the consequences of this proposal and what will happen next.

"We're appealing to people to respond to the consultation to ensure their view counts. Consequently, all we are asking is for our voice to be listened to during this consultation and our views genuinely considered when it comes to making the decision."

For more information and a link to the consultation, visit:

[L] https://savebutecottagenursery.co.uk/ [L+] the campaign website [.L} or follow SaveButeCottage on Instagram.