TODDLERS and parents fighting to save a popular nursery school have won a reprieve.

And they say they are relieved a decision over its future has been postponed.

Thousands of people signed a petition to protect Denby Dale Nursery School after hearing it faced an uncertain future.

But parents have been told the decision originally due in September 2009 has been put back by 12 months.

It comes as Kirklees Council said they will look at nursery school provision throughout Kirklees as part of a Government directive.

The uncertainty meant that staff and governors didn’t know if they should start planning for a new school term in September.

Chairman of governors Robert Allen said: “We all feel that the petition and support we had at the last council meeting helped us.

“Everyone is quite relieved because it means we can start planning for next year which we weren’t able to do.

“It has brought everyone together and we’ve seen what a great community we have.

“What we do now is try to get the best for our nursery, make the school stronger and be more active in the community.”

In March parents started a petition after fears the Wakefield Road nursery could be shut or privatised as part of a council review.

Kirklees Council came 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.

Option C would be to de-establish the school and put the facilities out to tender or Option D would be for the nursery school to join together with another school.

But it seems their campaigning efforts have paid off, with any review and decision being postponed.

Julie Craggs’ daughter Jemma, who is four next week, attends the nursery school.

Mrs Craggs, a parent governor, said: “Jemma adores it there. They have highly qualified and dedicated teachers and professionals who devote so much time to our children and have such a good rapport with them and us.

“The support we have received from parents has been fantastic, everyone really pulled together to get the best for all concerned.

“But it’s the support of the wider community which we have appreciated and we thank them and wish for their continued support in the future.”

A meeting will take place later this week between governors, parents and staff to discuss the future of the nursery school.

A spokesman for Kirklees council said: “Any decision about the future of nursery schools is unlikely to be made until next year due to the thorough nature of any review undertaken and the council's intention to consult widely on any proposals.

“At this stage no decision has been taken about the future of Denby Dale Nursery School. We are currently undertaking a thorough review of all nursery schools in Kirklees in light of the changes brought about by the Childcare Act 2006.

“The council has a duty to ensure there are sufficient places for all three and four-year-olds in Kirklees so that they are able to access their free entitlement of 15 hours’ early learning per week.

“We must also ensure that all providers delivering this provision are of the highest quality and are funded appropriately.”