Parents' anger as death knell sounds for Standbridge Primary School
ANGRY parents have hit out at Wakefield Council's decision to close Standbridge Primary School.
Tuesday's council cabinet meeting heard how falling pupil numbers and two bad Ofsted reports meant the Kettlethorpe school was unsustainable.
Coun Denise Jeffery, deputy leader of Wakefield Council, bent the rules to allow angry parent Andrew Hill to air his views.
He said parents and pupils felt let down by the local authority, adding: "There has been no support for parents or pupils during the last six months and I think it is a poor reflection on Wakefield Council.
"I don't think any notice has been taken of the argument put together by the school's governing body against the closure."
But Elaine McHale, corporate director for children's services, said concerns raised about the closure had been taken seriously and she gave her support for the recommendation to close the school.
She said legal advice had been sought to make certain the council had acted properly.
What do you think? What are your memries of the school? Have your say in the comments section below.
Coun Olivia Rowley, cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, said it was a sad but necessary situation, adding: "There is going to be dispute and argument, but we are in an impossible situation where there are too many school places and not enough children. If we spend more on excess places, then less gets spent on the children of Wakefield."
Speaking after the meeting, parent Anna Humberstone, 34, of Grove Park, Calder Grove, said: "I have been dreading this moment. I know there is nothing more we can do now, but I hope the council learns from this.
"There was a real sense of panic among parents as soon as it was announced that the school was earmarked for closure and people started taking their children out almost immediately, which hasn't helped. I can't help thinking this was all part of the plan.
"There needs to be more support and reassurance for parents and children at a time like this."
Mum-of-two Gillian Abbott is a parent governor at the Standbridge Lane school.
The 37-year-old, of Manygates Crescent, said she was devastated by the news too, adding: "I think the decision was made a long time ago. It is a lovely school and it is a total shame, but all we can do now is concentrate on making the last few weeks at Standbridge memorable for the children who are left."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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