A ROW has erupted at a primary school after classes were merged and a private day nursery was created on the site.

Parents of pupils at Woodhouse Primary School on Daisy Road, Brighouse, say they are outraged by the move , which means the 38 children in the Year 1 group being taught together.

But school officials have defended their actions, saying they is the "most effective" way of teaching the small year group.

Officials said staff had looked at a number of ideas and concluded that working as one unit, staffed by two teachers and supported by three teaching assistants, was the best way forward.

They have also sent parents letters saying they are keen to work with the new Toy Box Day Nursery on the school site, which opens in February.

Headteacher Mrs Shirley Stoker said in a statement: "Change frequently results in apprehension. I fully understand why some parents remain concerned.

"However, the parents and the school staff share the same goal, to provide the very best education and care possible for all children.

"The staff will continue to work closely with parents throughout this academic year and look forward to meeting individual parents to discuss how together we can best meet each child's needs."

One upset parent, who contacted the Examiner but did not want to give her name because her daughter goes to the school, said she was very upset.

She added: "All the parents were against it."