Leeds City Council’s statement on the outcome of consultation on a proposal to close Queensway Primary School.
Leeds Local Authority have proposed a detrimental movement to permanent close Queensway Primary School. The proposal is due to a decrease in birth rate within the area and unfortunately Queensway is no longer seen as a viable source of income – but we believe that this is something that cannot happen. We fundamentally believe that schools are not for profit, they’re to inspire life long learning. We all feel that this is a very short-sighted decision and that the authority should investigate alternative routes that would be less impactful to the vulnerable children within our local community.
Queensway has a disproportionately high number of children with complex special educational needs, as well as a large percentage of highly vulnerable families, and even more who are in receipt of pupil premium funding. The school is equipped with the appropriate purpose-built provision to help support these children, which no other school within our proximity is able to fulfil. The closure of this school would mean that our most vulnerable members of society will not receive the quality care and attention that they need, which is going to lead to devastating consequences to the families that we support.
We are an inclusive school that support all children that walk through our doors and staff know each child on a personal level. These vital relationships support pupils within every aspect of school life, such as lessons to playtime, as well as extending into their home lives, supporting parents where they need it most with guidance, additional support and food bank services: Save Queensway Primary School
We are asking everyone to please consider the impact that this closure will have on all of our children, families and staff – especially the most vulnerable members of society. Join the fight to overturn this decision and lets work together to keep Queensway Primary School open! To quote a pupil at our school: “Don’t think about the children that aren’t here, think about the ones that are.”
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said:
“Due to a significant and continued fall in the number of children being born in Guiseley and Yeadon, primary schools in this area are now facing continued lower demand for places. In order for the schools to remain financially stable and continue to meet the learning needs of their children, there needs to be a reduction in the number of available places.
“We have explored alternative options to reduce the number of school places in the area, but unfortunately the only way we can manage numbers is to consider the closure of a maintained school. Over the last few years, there has been a decline in families in the area preferencing Queensway Primary School, and there are currently a high number of surplus places at the school.
“Feedback received from members of the school community and other stakeholders through the consultation process has been highly valuable. We recognise that Queensway Primary, like many schools, offers more than just a school place, particularly for those children and families who are more vulnerable. If a decision is made to close the school, the council would work closely with the school’s leadership team, as well as other schools and services in the area, to ensure continued support for local families and secure the best possible outcomes for the children.
“In the meantime, following its recent Inadequate Ofsted inspection judgement, we will continue to support the school in developing an action plan that addresses the key areas for improvement identified in the inspection report, including priorities to improve the provision and progress for learners with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities.”
Leeds City Council’s executive board has been asked to approve a recommendation to publish a Statutory Notice on the proposal to permanently close Queensway Primary School at the end of this academic year. If approved, a final decision on the proposal would be expected in March 2023. The full executive board report (agenda item 10) can be viewed at www.democracy.leeds.gov.uk
Children have just one childhood; we believe their primary school experience should be magical and wondrous, filled with inspirational and unforgettable learning experiences. We aspire for our children to have special and happy memories of their time at Queensway Primary School and value highly the positive relationships we have built between children, parents, staff, governors and our neighbouring communities.
We all work hard together to ensure our children have the aspirations, belief and motivation to be the best they can be, and that we equip them with the knowledge, skills and understanding so they can make a difference to the world around them.
