Denby Dale Nursery School in doubt as council considers closure

PARENTS of toddlers at Denby Dale Nursery School have started a petition after fears the nursery could be shut.

They are worried that the Wakefield Road nursery could be closed or privatised as part of a council review.

Parent Fay Newsome has started a petition to keep the nursery open.

Her two daughters Millie, four, and Harriet, two both attend the nursery.

The landscape gardener said: “We were absolutely shocked when we found out. My children really love it there and no-one wants these major changes.

“It’s is such a vital place in Denby Dale – there are not many other nurseries which are affordable for parents and one of the worries is that it could be privatised which would push the cost up.

“All the parents are supportive – it’s a very well regarded nursery in this area and we want the best for it.”

Kirklees Council began to review the nursery’s facilities last year when the former headteacher announced she was leaving.

Now, one year on, they have come up with four options.

Option A is for little or no change with Option B leading to the school maintaining or taking control of the children’s centre – so far the most favoured by the governors.

Option C would be to de-establish the school and put the facilities out to tender. It could mean a private enterprise could take over or the governors or a group of parents.

Option D would be for the nursery school to join together with another school with one headteacher running them both.

But it could be many months before a decision is made – leaving 48 toddlers facing an uncertain future.

Chair of governors Robert Allen said: “At the moment we don’t know what the future of the nursery is but it is under threat.

“The parents are vociferous because it is so uncertain.

“Our recent Ofsted report was very favourable, they said we were a good nursery with outstanding features.

“Another thing they said was that we were good value for money, which is something that is important at this time.”

Mr Allen, who has been chair of governors of the Wakefield Road nursery for three years, will speak to councillors at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting to appeal for them to consider parent’s views.

He will be joined by Mrs Newsome and other parents whose children attend the nursery.

Parents have already started a petition to keep the nursery open for the good of the community and they are asking for Denby Dale residents to back them.