Campaign to save Dales primary school takes a leap forward

Kettlewell Primary School and Arncliffe Church of England Primary School were both facing the threat of closure as part of an education shake-up in Upper Wharfedale.

However, following fierce opposition to the proposals, North Yorkshire County Council has amended the controversial blueprint.

The original options included consolidating provision into either two separate schools at Grassington and Threshfield, or at one school operating across the two sites in the villages. Either option could have included retention of some provision at Kettlewell.

But the new proposals simply suggest the closure of Arncliffe Church of England Primary, and the retention of Kettlewell Primary and Threshfield Primary as separate schools. Pupils at Arncliffe would instead receive their education at Grassington Church of England Primary.

County Councillor John Watson, executive member for schools, said: "Naturally the proposed closure of Arncliffe is being made with some regret and sadness, However, given that pupil numbers have now fallen to only four children, it is impossible to see how the school can offer to children all the provision we would like to see and still remain financially viable.

"We are confident that Grassington C of E will make excellent provision for the remaining children, while preserving the Church influence that parents value."

The county council's Children's and Young People's Service drew up the new proposal following a nine-week public consultation over issues surrounding falling pupil numbers and financial viability.

The amended proposals for the future of primary education in Upper Wharfedale will be considered by members of North Yorkshire County Council's executive next week.

Councillor Watson said: "In relation to Kettlewell and Threshfield, we have listened to the views of the two communities, which are clear that they wish to retain their schools as separate entities.

"Challenges remain for each school, and particularly for Kettlewell, given its very low numbers, but the governing bodies are aware of this and they will need to take appropriate measures to address these issues."

Parents, staff and councillors rallied together to save Kettlewell Primary and more than 200 people responded to a survey and petition.

Lesley Taylor, executive head of Arncliffe C of E Primary and Kettlewell Primary, said: "It is a kind of reprieve, if you like, to give us time for the governors to continue to look at joined up thinking across the schools within the area. The county council has listened to the passion of everybody in the community. There has been an amazing amount of passion and support for which I am very grateful."

The amended proposals will be discussed by North Yorkshire County Council's Executive on February 1.

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, said: "I am pleased that North Yorkshire County Council has listened to the constructive campaign run by residents, parents and pupils in Kettlewell and Threshfield on the importance of the local primary schools to their communities. I now hope that the executive agree with the recommendations at their meeting next week.

"I have enjoyed working with parents, governors, teachers and councillors to get these proposals changed and have been impressed by the way the communities have come together and worked positively to find solutions to the challenges that are undoubtedly faced by small schools. If the new proposals are agreed, I will continue to work with those involved in the months and years ahead to try and build a sustainable future for the schools."