Falling numbers at a Calne primary school have forced governors to propose closing its onsite nursery.

In the last four years the number of children attending the nursery at St Dunstan’s Primary School, has dropped from 44 to ten.

Although there used to be 26 places available in a separate building on the school site, now there are only 13 places for children accommodated within reception classes at the school.

Chairman Anne Davey said: “In the past the nursery was funded for 52 places, regardless of the number of children who attended. It is now funded on the number of children who attend and as the school is required to have a qualified teacher it is no longer economical to run.

“Competition from other local pre-schools, which are not required to have a qualified teacher, means they can charge lower fees.”

The Rev Bob Kenway, who is Marden Vale team rector and a school governor, said: “It’s a great shame and we came to the decision very reluctantly. Obviously there are some very dissatisfied people, but it’s a question of numbers.”

St Dunstan’s headteacher Mary Pope said: “Numbers have been going down in our nursery for some time and we’ve worked closely with the local authority to find the best way forward.

“Sunbeams pre-school is on the school site and is expanding this month. We are confident that this means the young children in our community can still access quality learning opportunities.”

Sunbeams is managed by a committee made up of parents of children attending and community members.

On May 9 it will open a mobile classroom to accommodate spaces paid for by the local authority for two-year-olds whose parents are on a low income.

Manager Jay Austin said: “It’s sad to see the nursery go but it’s good that the local families will have somewhere else. We are a charity and we do provide the same sort of thing that the nursery did.”