Parents' views are sought onexpansion plans for schools

PARENTS are being asked their views on plans to expand six Leeds primary schools from 2011.

People in Morley, Belle Isle, Armley, Calverley, Cross Gates and Horsforth are being asked for their views on plans to expand schools to meet an increased demand for reception class places arising from an increased birth rate and movement into Leeds from other areas.

Education Leeds has proposed to permanently expand Blackgates Primary School, Clapgate Primary School, Windmill Primary School, Ryecroft Primary School, Calverley C of E Primary School and Cross Gates Primary School to 420 places each from 2011 to ensure there is a place for every child.

The consultation will run until February 12. It follows previous work by Education Leeds to provide additional places in schools in the city from September this year.

Coun Richard Harker, executive board member for education at Leeds Council, said:“We have a legal duty to provide local school places for every child. This need varies across Leeds and we are adapting to ensure certain schools can meet these demands. This consultation is an important part of the process and the views of local people need to be considered before a final decision is made.”

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said: “The increased demand for primary school places means we have to reassess the size of certain schools.

“The demand on these seven schools will increase from 2011 and we need to ensure there will be places available to every child. This consultation will ensure families and local communities can find out more about the plans and help influence the final decision.”

Public meetings, which start tomorrow, will take place at each school on the following dates:

Calverley C of E Primary School, Town Gate, Calverley – January 12, 7pm. Ryecroft Primary School, Stonebridge Grove, Farnley – January 13, 7pm. Clapgate Primary School, Cranmore Drive – January 14, 7pm. Blackgates Primary School, Smith Lane, Wakefield – January 25, 6.30pm. Windmill Primary School, Windmill Road, Belle Isle – January 28, 6.30pm. Cross Gates Primary School, Poole Crescent – February 3, 7pm.

Details at www.education leeds.co.uk/schoolorganisation.