iStockAn Angus primary school’s nursery could be mothballed after just one child applied for a place.
Arbirlot early learning and childcare (ELC) has not operated since August and has received just five pre-school applications in the last three years.
Now, a fresh report has recommended councillors should approve the mothballing of Arbirlot ELC from August for up to three years.
The report further details that the class would be reopened should five or more applications be received in any academic year.
The term mothballing refers to a temporary decision to close a school where the current or potential class roll is very low or has fallen to zero.
Mothballing, rather than closing a school or nursery, gives the opportunity for it to reopen should circumstances change.
Councillors will be asked to approve the mothballing at a education committee meeting scheduled for next week.
Consultation
A consultation was carried out seeking views from the school community, community council, staff and head teacher.
This ran for ten school days in November last year.
However, only one response was received, expressing support for the move.
The respondent provided feedback, noting there are very few young families in the area.
In the report, acting education director Neil Lowden wrote: “Arbirlot ELC has been inactive since August 19 2025 due to very low demand for places.
“In the last three years there have been a total of five applications submitted for the setting.
“The child who applied to Arbirlot ELC for August 2025 has been able to access funded hours in another providers.
“There is a requirement for a formal decision to be made as to the status of Arbirlot ELC.”
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