A PRIMARY SCHOOL, teachers and parents are going to fight a proposal to close the setting.

Leeds City Council announced on Thursday that a proposal to shut Queensway Primary School in Coppice Wood Avenue, in the Yeadon area is being put forward.

If it goes ahead, the school will close at the end of the current academic year, in July 2023.

The reason set out by the local authority is that the numbers of children being born in the Guiseley and Yeadon areas is dwindling and that subsequently Queensway has "seen a large fall in the request for places in its reception class and future numbers are expecting to decline further." 

A letter sent out to parents and carers by Leeds City Council on that day revealed consultation would begin on Monday for people to share their views on the matter.

The local authority made it clear a decision had not been made and that it was important parents and interested parties shared their opinions as their responses "will help to shape the next important steps".

The move has angered parents and teachers alike, with the school itself opposing the proposal.

The front page of the school's website states: "It is with a heavy heart and huge sense of disbelief that I have to share some potentially devastating news we have received.

"We have been contacted by the Local Authority Sufficiency and Participation team and told that they wish to consult on a planned proposal to close our wonderful school.

"We simply cannot let this happen - our children and families need Queensway!"

The statement then links to a page on the school's website dedicated to the consultation.

It gives details on two drop-in sessions for people to share their views, which was also detailed in the letter from Leeds City Council.

These are in the school hall on:

  • Wednesday, October 5, between 5pm and 7pm
  • Wednesday, October 12, between 6pm and 8pm

The page also shares a link to the online consultation website, where people can share their views from tomorrow.

It closes on Sunday, October 23.

The final resource on the school page is a printable poster which states: "Queesnway has to stay! Join the fight at queenswayschool.co.uk. Save our school."

A number of parents have expressed their concerns over the proposal and want their message sharing.

Vicky Lancaster, a mother of two at the school and a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), organised a gather for all parents and children at the school with councillors and MPs attending.

Ms Lancaster said: "This is to mark the official date of which our fight begins.

"We have four weeks for our voices to be heard!"

She has also planned a number of other gatherings and has arranged for Yeadon Town Hall to be lit up in yellow and blue, while a team of parents are making banners and t-shirts. 

In a statement Otley and Yeadon ward councillors Ryk Downes, Colin Campbell and Sandy Lay said: "We are aware of the current proposal from Leeds City Council to close Queensway Primary School. 
"We are just as shocked as everyone else at this proposal and have made representations to LCC with regards to the process and the decision-making that has gone into this proposal.
"At no time have the Council discussed or even hinted that Queensway was under threat of closure indeed we were only told after the Council had already informed the Headteacher and the governing body. As soon as we were made aware we met with the HT, his deputy and some governors to ascertain their wants and needs. It is clear that the school team at Queensway do not want to see the school close and we agree with them.
"We had a further meeting this week with officers from the Council were we, in no uncertain terms, set out our position - we are against any plans to close the school and will be working with all interested parties in an attempt to stop this closure.
"We have been assured (raises eyebrows) that no decision has been made so we would urge everyone who cares about Queensway to take part in the consultation, to voice their views in the consultation and to encourage as many members of the community to do the same.
"In the meantime we will continue to work and support the school team and the community around the school in any way we can.
"A reminder that we are your voice on the Council and not the Council's voice in the community so we will be having further meetings with officers and senior councillors from the Council to outline our reasoning for why Queensway should be saved from closure."