The age range at a Kenilworth primary school is set be changed as it looks to start a cheaper nursery set-up.

Following a council decision today, St John's Primary School will take children aged four to 11 from September 2022.

The Mortimer Road school asked to change its age range from three to 11, so that it could replace its dedicated nursery class with a cheaper school-run nursery.

Warwickshire County Council's cabinet unanimously approved the changes at St John's School and Arley Primary School this afternoon.

The council said the number of school places would not be reduced.

According to a council report, school-run nurseries are "more cost efficient" and can be "adapted to meet demand".

It explained: "The current nursery classes at both schools must be directly led by a qualified teacher and additional level three qualified early years professional.

"The cost of staffing is placing increasing financial pressures on the schools."

Adding: "Financial benefits for the schools come in part through the flexibilities of not requiring the same level of qualifications for some staffing.

"It is important therefore that the governor-run nurseries strive for the same high quality provision that they would do if it was a nursery class."

The council also said that parents preferred the flexibility offered by a school-led nursery.

A public consultation was held earlier this year - not a single response was received.

But portfolio holder Cllr Kam Kaur said: "The change is supported by the schools and we have had no objections to the proposal through the statutory consultation process.

"And finally there are no financial implications for Warwickshire County Council for these changes."