MERGER plans for primary schools in two areas have received a thumbs-up from staff and parents.
Kirklees Council is hoping to merge Outlane Infant and Nursery School with Outlane Junior School.
It also wants Bradley C of E Infant and Nursery School and Bradley C of E Junior School to join together.
Outlane I and N School and Outlane Juniors already share a site on Moorlands Road but the buildings need repairing.
If they amalgamate, one new school building would replace the old ones.
The infant and nursery school at Bradley also already shares a site with the junior school on Sherwood Avenue.
In August, the Council launched a consultation for the plans and sought the views of parents, governors, local residents.
At Bradley, the Church of England's Wakefield diocese was also consulted.
Now, the initial consultations are over. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
A spokeswoman for Kirklees Council's education service said: "The policy is that when infant and junior schools share a site then we look at the possibility of merging them."
Mrs Chris Leeson, headteacher at Outlane Infant School, said: "I understand there will be more official consultations, but the consultations with parents and the community have been very positive.
"Most people see the reasons behind the suggestion. It makes sense to merge.
"There are a lot of benefits to children, because with a through school you get continuity of learning. It's easier for teaching, sharing records and expertise and the children get to mix with different age groups.
"It is also simpler for parents."
Mrs Leeson said initial designs for the new school building had been drawn up, but were at an early stage.
She said: "It is a big move and an exciting challenge.
"Obviously, the Council Cabinet has to approve the idea but we are making plans in case it goes through."
If plans are approved, the schools are expected to merge by September, 2005.
