Following a report revealing the unfilled places in the district of Rossendale, Lancashire County Council last week launched a consultation document inviting parents, teachers, governors and members of the local community to give their views by 5 August.
In January 2005 there were 1,155 unfilled places in Rossendale's 32 primary schools, where 5,540 pupils were enrolled for 6,695 places. Maintained nursery provision in the area experienced similar shortfalls. The three maintained nursery schools and six nursery classes within primary schools in the area had 230 vacancies, with 392 children for 622 half-day places, though 106 places were later filled by two-year-olds.
Falling birth rates, trends in primary school intakes and housing and migration changes have been blamed for the falling rolls.
Proposals outlined in the consultation include the possible closure of Bacup Nursery School, Thorn Community Primary School, Cloughfold Community Primary School, and St Mary's Roman Catholic School. There are also a number of proposed amalgamations.
Lyn Rider, headteacher of Bacup Nursery School, said that she is 'devastated' that her school is included in the potential closure plans.
She said, 'There were 40 on the books in January but we had another intake in late January and at Easter and we're now up to 79, because we've taken on children as they turn three, rather than waiting until the September term.'
She said that the opening of Maden Early Years and Childcare Centre, a children's centre set up in August 2004, has had an impact.'We've lost quite a few children as a result. We are in the process of registering for full daycare, because that's where the demand is, and we'll hopefully go ahead with this next year.' Ms Rider is currently mounting a campaign to keep the school open.
A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said that it is too early to say whether any schools will close as a result of the review.
Sue Mulvany, executive director of children's services, said, 'By removing unfilled places, we can provide better conditions for an improvement in educational standards in stronger schools, well placed to meet future challenges.'
More information is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/ education/primross.
Ian Glaister, school planning and reorganisation manager for the council, said, 'The Rossendale valley is made up of steep hillsides. Transportation is limited. We are very conscious of the geographical area and this makes the situation more complex.'
