'Chaos for the kids' - Yorkshire mother ‘between anger and tears’ over school closure
A mother-of-three girls says she is ‘flitting between anger and tears’ after finding out her seven-year-old daughter’s school may have to close.
Parents of children at Colden Junior and Infant School, above Hebden Bridge, found out about the potential closure from the head teacher last Sunday, having previously been warned in July about the low pupil numbers.
There are currently 35 children currently enrolled, with zero pupils in reception.
With 12 Year Six pupils leaving next summer, a Calderdale Council cabinet report prepared ahead of tonight’s meeting warns the school may have 23 or fewer pupils by September 2027, with the possibility of two year-groups of no pupils.
News of potential closure came as a shock to first-aid trainer Megan Gault, 33, of Colden, who told the Local Democracy Reporting Service she knows of four siblings, including her own four-year-old daughter, who are set to join next year’s reception class.
“It’s extremely frustrating,” she said, “The report says there will be support for families and children of the school, but we have not seen that from the local authority.
“My little girl is coming home every day asking questions about where she is going to go, what will happen, will her sister go to school with her, will friends go with her?
“It’s a tiny school and always has been. Moving to a bigger school could be massively detrimental to her mental health going forward.”
The LDRS understands the nearest alternative is the well-regarded Heptonstall Junior Infant and Nursery School, though its wraparound care offer (breakfast and afterschool clubs) is only three days a week compared to Colden’s four.
This could have a financial impact on working parents who would have to make alternative arrangements during work hours.
One of Ms Gault’s biggest worries about Colden closing would be losing the ecological focus it brings to learning, with children regularly encouraged to go outside and explore beyond the usual classroom setting.
She also shared concerns that news of the potential closure will put prospective parents off applying for a place, when current parents are keen to do the opposite by marketing the school and its unique approach.
“Once upon a time people were fighting for places at Colden because it’s known to be so warm and caring,” she said.
Asked why entrance numbers have reached zero, Ms Gault said young families have been priced out of the area while Calderdale’s birth rate is also seeing a downward trend.
“I have been flitting between anger and tears,” she confessed.
“I have not slept for the past few nights since I found out because I am trying to work out all the things I could potentially do about it. I wish the powers at be could have given us ample warning. I have lots of people willing to fight: ex-students, grandparents, they want to do something about it.
“It’s chaos for the kids. It’s like your parents getting divorced. They need routine and stability to thrive.”
As well as the low intake, the council also estimates the school requires an investment of £332,000 for urgent repair work – though the nature of the works is not detailed and parents are demanding a list of costs.
The cabinet paper concludes: “The combination of falling pupil revenue, staffing instability and increasing costs suggest that it is an appropriate time for consideration to be given to the potential closure of this school.”
Coun Tim Holden, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “Unfortunately, despite the great work that schools do, there can be times when it’s not viable to keep them open.
“Closing a school is never something we would do lightly, but good quality education for children and value for money are the priority.”
Coun Margot Puddepha said: “No alternatives have been considered other than closing the school. Parents and the wider community have not been consulted or given enough notice to put their views forward.”
Coun Puddepha also referred to statutory guidance from the Department of Education on designated rural schools, saying there should be a publication of formal proposals, a four-week public consultation, and four week representation period.
As it stands, the school could close by July 2027, but a large turnout of parents is expected to oppose closure at Calderdale’s cabinet meeting on today (November 9).