Councillors have backed a u-turn on school expansion plans.

But it came with a warning that Kirklees Council should consult parents affected by such decisions and must report how they plan to solve the problem of 60 children who started a new school, but will soon have to leave.

Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Children and Young People agreed with Cabinet’s decision to withdraw from the expansion of Reinwood Infant and Junior School and divert money towards a bigger school at Royds Hall Community High in Paddock.

There were uncomfortable moments during the meeting as it was revealed Reinwood Infant’s headteacher only discovered the u-turn in a meeting with other headteachers.

And a letter sent by Kirklees to parents did not make it clear the 60 new children were no longer guaranteed a place at the junior school and Reinwood had to staple another letter to the original spelling it out.

Lindley ward councillors were informed of a meeting about the issue at 36 hours notice and after the Cabinet papers had been published, while a meeting for parents took place after Cabinet made its ruling.

Clr Cahal Burke, who called for the review, said: “It was the stubbornness of Cabinet not to listen to the views of parents, headteachers and others within the (Salendine Nook school) pyramid.

“They would have lost nothing in deferring a decision to give time for meaningful consultation with those affected.”

Clr Shabir Pandor, Cabinet member for education, said: “Just because a Cabinet decision has been made doesn’t mean it’s a done deal. We will work with parents involved to find a solution.”

Clr Pandor was asked three times when he first discovered officers had proposed the change. He failed to say when and chair of the scrutiny panel, Clr Erin Hill, said Clr Pandor could move on if he felt he had answered the question and didn’t wish to elaborate.

Parents spoke of their dismay at the council’s attitude.

Julie Smyth said: “This is going to have a serious impact on the lives of our children and we should have been considered.

“This to me does not seem to be an open or transparent way for working. To me it seems the proposal has been one single objective, to save money.”

Parents Annie Steel and Colette Parker queried why parents would send their children to an unknown infant school at Royds Hall, when Reinwood had such success.

Amanda McKinna added: “It takes years to build up a school, it is not about bricks and mortar, it is about community, standards, quality of the provision.”

Funding was a major factor behind the u-turn and Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for Resources, highlighted the decision they faced.

He said: “We have £32m from central government and we’ve committed to borrowing £10m the borrowing will mean £3/4m in interest a year over 20 years.

“To commit to that borrowing shows that we see the value in what we’re doing, and we also want to get the best value for money and that will be a new, modern school and not expanding schools here and there.”