EDUCATION officials have been accused of arrogance by the Deputy First Minister, by ignoring government guidance on school closures.

EDUCATION officials have been accused of arrogance by the Deputy First Minister, by ignoring government guidance on school closures.

Govan MSP Nicola Sturgeon is angry at the council's refusal to refer the closure of a nursery in her constituency to the education minister, contrary to the guidance.

Last month Glasgow City Council sparked outrage among parents and many politicians with its plan to close 11 primary schools and nine nurseries across the city.

The planned closure of one nursery in Newark Drive, Pollokshields, prompted Ms Sturgeon to send a letter to the council's education director informing her of the need for ministerial consent.

But Margaret Doran, executive director of children and families at the council replied stating: "The solicitor to the council advises that no referral to the Scottish Government is required in relation to the approved proposal."

Ms Sturgeon pointed to guidance that said if capacity exceeds 80% then ministers must have the final say. The last HMIE report said there were 76 children enrolled with capacity for 40 at any given time.

She said: "I am appalled by this decision. The guidance is crystal clear, it leaves little room for interpretation.

"For the council to ignore it is extremely arrogant, but that is how they have gone about the whole process."

The Scottish Government School Closure Guidance issued to local authorities states three instances where ministers have to take the final decision, one of which is if the roll exceeds 80% capacity.

Other reasons are if pupils would need to attend a school more than five miles from their current school and if the closure changes the provision of denominational education.

Ms Sturgeon confirmed that nurseries are considered schools for the purpose of ministerial consent.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "There is no definition of capacity in early years provision as the uses are so different. Some children are in for two, three or four mornings and others full time."

The council said there is capacity for 40 children at Newark Drive and currently there are 56 children enrolled.

Ms Sturgeon was also angry that parents of new entrants who live in the catchment area might be refused a place once the new facility is open due to high demand caused by other closures.

In her letter Ms Doran said children from Pollokshields may need to use Newark Drive during refurbishment work and would have priority the next year as "returning children". This could, she said, "impact on places for new entrants in the short term".

Ms Sturgeon said: "Parents were led to believe there would be places for everyone."