A union official has offered to spearhead a campaign to save Woodfield Community Primary School from closure.

A four-week consultation on closing the school on December 31 ends on July 4.

Representatives from North Yorkshire County Council told a public meeting last night they had exhausted all options to keep it open.

There was widespread anger and disbelief among those attending at how a school with good facilities in a populated area had ended up in this position.

Gary McVeigh-Kaye, North Yorkshire district branch secretary of the National Education Union, said it was “disgusting and immoral” that the school faced closure because it couldn’t find an academy sponsor. He added:

“This is a community school. If you want to campaign, I will support you.”

Ten staff could lose their jobs if the closure goes ahead.

Only about 20 people attended last night’s meeting at the school. Many of those present said most parents regarded closure as a done deal orchestrated by the county council.

Morag Plummer, who has had links with the school since it opened 51 years ago, said the council had neglected a once-thriving school for seven years. She said:

“They want this land and they couldn’t give a damn about us.

“The majority of people in the community want their children to attend a school in the area. Children are heartbroken.

“They just want that land and everybody else will suffer.”

Other parents made the same claim that the land would be used for housing but Andrew Dixon, the council’s strategic planning manager for children and young people’s services, said a decision on the site’s future hadn’t been made.

He added any such decision would be distinct from that of the school’s future.

Andrew Dixon, speaking at last night’s meeting.

Mr Dixon said the council’s proposed merger of Woodfield and nearby Grove Road Community Primary School showed it wanted to retain the Woodfield site for education. The proposal, which Grove Road governors rejected, would have seen Woodfield become part of Grove Road.

Read more:

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Mr Dixon’s presentation highlighted how Woodfield pupil numbers had fallen from 154 in 2018 to 37 this year.

He said 93% of primary aged children in the Woodfield catchment area who attended a council-run school went to other schools.

Woodfield, he added, faced a cumulative deficit of £229,000 in 2023/34, due to low pupil numbers.

He presented three options: the Woodfield catchment area could either be subsumed by Grove Road or Bilton Grange Primary School catchment areas, or it could be shared by the two schools.

Dave Poole, whose children and grandchildren attended Woodfield, said many parents had already taken their children out of the school due to scaremongering messages about its future,

James Poole said he had been unable to find another school willing to take on his child, who has special needs.

Retired teacher Diane Maguire, who lives in the area, said the school’s facilities and vast outdoor space would be a huge loss to the community. She said:

“It seems the school has been badly let down by North Yorkshire County Council. It seems like the council is culpable.”

Aytach Sadik, a grandparent, asked if families could buy the school, which was described as “an interesting proposal” by Amanda Wilkinson, the Conservative councillor for Morton-on-Swale and Appleton Wiske, who is also the council’s executive member for education and learning skills.

Andrew Hart, a sub-postmaster in Bilton, said numerous new nearby housing developments would exacerbate the need for a school in future and the council should think ahead when making its decision, rather than look at past failings. Woodfield, he said, had been left to “rot on the vine”.

But Mr Dixon said falling birth rates suggested local schools would be able to cope.

Amanda Newbold, assistant director for education and skills at the council, said nobody wanted the school to be in the position it was but the local education authority was obliged to work with Woodfield governors to find a way forward.

Harrogate Grammar School has submitted plans to light up its games pitch until 8pm in a bid to boost youth sport in the wake of the pandemic.

An original application in 2015 restricts the use of floodlighting after 6pm.

However, the school said this year several youth teams had struggled to play, particularly during the winter months when ground conditions in town were poor.

In a letter to neighbouring residents asking for their support, business and operations manager, Tom Stephen, wrote:

“The last two years of the pandemic have been challenging for us all, not least in the impact of school closures and restrictions on team sports for young people.

“We want to support the growth of youth sport and one way in which we hope to achieve this is by increasing the access of our facilities.”

He added that in the context of increased demand and in an effort create opportunities for young people to recover from the pandemic, the school felt it was the right time to apply for the extension.

It would see the pitch open from 9am until 8pm Monday to Friday.

He said:

“We will only allow the astro to be used by youth coached teams in order to support our aim of the growth of youth sport.”

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Harrogate Borough Council environmental health officer, Gemma Demaline, said she had no objections to the plans.

She said:

“As the lights are likely to be required during the darker months when surrounding noise sensitive residents are likely to be inside their properties, the impact from noise from the proposed use of the site will be limited.”

Earlier this month St Aidan’s Church of England High School revealed its new floodlit artificial sports pitch was set to open from 6pm to 8pm for community clubs to use.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Grammar School said:

“We want to support the growth of youth sport after the restrictions the pandemic put on team sports and we hope to achieve this by increasing the access of our facilities.”

Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application at a later date.

It has been a volatile few years in Hong Kong with protests, the jailing of opposition politicians and the closure of media outlets.

Now according to a local estate agent, an increasing number of people from Hong Kong are moving to Harrogate as Chinese rule has led to a crackdown on freedom and democracy.

In January last year, the UK government offered a new visa to residents of its former colony. It expects that 300,000 Hong Kongers will make the move in the next five years. Around 100,000 applied for the visa in 2021 alone.

Three of them are members of a family that moved to Harrogate last year.

Candy Yip and her husband Man Wong, both 44, brought with them bubble tea and opened a cafe called Sweet Pearl House on Commercial Street in January. It also sells traditional Hong Kong egg waffles.

Ms Yip said she wanted their daughter, 16, to have more freedom and a better education than what was possible in Hong Kong.

She said she has been impressed with the town’s safe surroundings and friendly people since making the move.

“Harrogate’s environment is very lovely and I feel very safe when I live here. People are very friendly.

“When we live in Harrogate, we can feel no stress. The people here enjoy their life and I can also feel the relaxing atmosphere.”

More fresh air

Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers above 150 metres in the world with 518.

Space is at a premium and many families live in cramped apartment buildings high up in the sky.

Harrogate’s tallest building is The Exchange on Station Parade which stands at a humble 42 metres.

There is also decidedly less hustle and less bustle than the Asian metropolis, which has almost 8 million residents.

Ms Yip said the lower building density in Harrogate coupled with much more open space makes it an appealing contrast to back home in Hong Kong.

She said:

“I think Harrogate is a popular place for Hong Kongers to live in is because Harrogate has not many tall buildings. It makes people feel more comfortable because Hong Kong has too many tall buildings and here we can get more fresh air.

“Harrogate has lots of countryside and we can also see different kinds of animals such as sheep and horses. It is really beautiful.”

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Global property map

Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post published an article in March that said Hong Kongers are ‘turbocharging’ the UK’s already red-hot housing market.

David Waddington, director at Linley & Simpson, said since the start of the year the estate agent has seen an increase in people from Hong Kong looking to move to the Harrogate district.

Many Hong Kong exiles have sold their property or businesses in the city before moving to the UK, which means they can afford the district’s high house prices.

Mr Waddington said in one new development in the area as many as 15% of the properties were sold to families relocating from Hong Kong.

“Since the turn of the year we have seen people moving from Hong Kong to start a new life in the Harrogate district in ever-increasing numbers.

“In one new homes development we launched to market recently, three of the twenty properties have been sold to families relocating from Hong Kong.

“Hits on our website from Hong Kong have witnessed a notable uptick too. While Harrogate is a magnet for home buyers from a diverse number of international countries, its name and ‘brand’ is well-known to many in Hong Kong.”

An attractive destination

HK UK Support Ltd is a company that specialises in helping people from Hong Kong relocate to the UK.

Last month it published a Q&A on its YouTube channel with Sue Brandom, inward investment officer at Harrogate Borough Council.

Ms Brandom cited Betty’s, Knaresborough and the Nidderdale countryside as reasons why the district can be an attractive destination for Hong Kongers looking to make the move.

They are all points that are hard to disagree with, although new district resident Candy Yip said Harrogate would be “perfect” if it had just a few more Asian food options.

“I miss my family and friends and also the food in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has more options of food for people such as Korean food. I think if Harrogate can have more variety of food, it will be perfect.”

An education leader has indicated there is unlikely to be a quick decision on the fate of Woodfield Community Primary School amid growing frustration amongst parents and children.

The school has offered new admissions in September. But with a huge question mark over its future, and the total number of pupils falling to 37 amid the uncertainty, parents want a quick decision so they can make definite plans.

However, Amanda Newbold, assistant director for education and skills at North Yorkshire County Council, indicated it could be some time before a decision is made.

She said:

“It is anticipated that some time will be required for reflection, discussion and careful consideration of the school’s position between the governing board, the county council and the Department for Education.

“We cannot yet indicate a date when further news will be available, but parents and carers will be informed as soon as possible.”

The Bilton school faces the possibility of closure after nearby Grove Road Community Primary School withdrew from a planned merger three weeks ago. The merger was proposed after Woodfield school was rated ‘inadequate’ by government inspectors from Ofsted in 2020 and no academy would take it on.

Read more:

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• Harrogate Grammar School rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted
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Sarah Preston, who has been a parent to children at the school for 12 years, said clarity was needed rather than the current “mixed messages”. She added:

“This process has caused nothing but worry and stress for parents and children. As a family we are hoping there is some kind of miracle and it doesn’t close and my children can stay there.

“The other day I got am email off the council saying my son has a place in September — how can they say this when no one knows what actually is happening?

“It is absolutely shocking how we are all been treated through this.”

Ms Preston said merger appeared to be a “done deal” until recently and she was now left “praying for a miracle” that Woodfield survives — but if it doesn’t she would rather know soon so she could make alternative plans for September. She said:

“Woodfield school is in a great location for families. There’s a brilliant green area for children to play sport and it’s right next to the library, which is great.

“With more houses being built we need schools.”

Asked what parents should do amid the uncertainty, Ms Newbold said:

“The ability to look for an alternative school place is a right for parents and carers in any circumstances and at any time.

“In this case, there is no immediate requirement for parents/carers to do anything in respect of a school transfer. Woodfield school will be open in September 2022 and admissions to the reception year have been dealt with in the normal way.”

Bettys and Taylors have won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

The business, based in Harrogate, is best known for its Yorkshire Tea and Bettys tearooms has a global tea and coffee supply chain which works in partnership with more than one million farmers and workers in 22 countries.

The award recognised the company’s work to integrate sustainability and collaboration with suppliers, partners, and the wider industry, to address social and environmental challenges within the industry.

Amongst these were projects in developing countries to install clean water systems; support tree planting partnerships; improve living and working conditions of workers, and to provide training to women in business management, entrepreneurial, literacy and financial skills.

Planting trees in Kenya Credit: Bettys and Taylors

Keith Writer, Supply Director at Taylors, said:

“Over the last five years, we’ve relentlessly focused on securing quality tea and coffee in partnership with our suppliers on the social and environmental issues they face, alongside addressing the systemic challenges across the tea and coffee supply chain through industry initiatives.

“We acknowledge there is always more to do, however we are honoured to be recognised for our ongoing efforts.”

The Queen’s Awards are presented in four categories and are decided each year by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister and her panel of judges. The winners are announced on the Queen’s birthday, and are valid for five years.

B&T also received a Queen’s Award in 2001, 2007, and 2017 for its commitment to sustainability.

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The vast majority of parents have got their child in to their first choice primary school in the Harrogate district, new figures reveal.

Primary school admissions statistics for entry in September show that 96.6 per cent of children have been given their first preference.

The figures published by North Yorkshire County Council also show that 99.5 per cent of pupils got one of their five preferences.

However, some parents have been left disappointed.

Nicola Njie’s daughter missed out on a place at her first choice school of Killinghall and her second of Hampsthwaite. She was offered her third choice of Bilton Grange, which she says is closer to where she lives, but she works full-time at a nursery in Killinghall.

She plans to appeal against the decision, but said she had to explain to her daughter that she “probably wouldn’t be going to school with most of her friends”.

She said:

“I will appeal and see what happens.”

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• Woodfield school parents ‘frustrated and upset’ after merger U-turn

Stuart Carlton, the county council’s corporate director of children and young people’s services, said every effort was made to accommodate the families’ preference of school for their child.

He said:

“The handful of children not offered one of their families’ school preferences were offered a place at their local school.

“Families can preference any school, and are encouraged to preference up to five schools.

“Where a school is oversubscribed, the admissions criteria for the school determines the priority for places. In most cases, the deciding factor is the distance from home to school.

“We closely monitor developing areas to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the children living in the local area.”

Mr Carlton said parents could appeal here.

Across North Yorkshire, there has been a slight increase of more than one per cent from last year to 96 per cent on the number securing their first choice.

Mr Carlton added:

“We wish all children who start primary school in September all the best and hope they enjoy a happy and exciting start in their new schools.”

An event is set to be held to commemorate Baldersby primary school, north of Ripon, after the government confirmed it will close.

Baldersby St James Church of England Primary School will close in August 2022.

Hope Sentamu Learning Trust, the Church of England trust that runs the school, announced the closure, saying low pupil numbers “show no prospect of improving for many years ahead”.

Parents and staff had objected to the decision, but Nadhim Zahawi, secretary of state for education, confirmed in January that the school will close.

Now, a celebratory event for staff and pupils will be held at the school on July 2, 2022, and will be attended by the Rt Revd Paul Ferguson, Bishop of Whitby.

The school says it is keen to hear from past pupils or staff who have stories, anecdotes or photos to share or anyone who has a keen knowledge of the history of the school.

Steff Brown, headteacher at Baldersby St James CE Primary School said 

“Whilst we are sad that the school has to close, we are very keen to celebrate the history of the school and all of the wonderful teaching, learning, events and activities that have taken place over the years.

“We’re delighted that we will be joined by the Bishop of Whitby who will lead the church service.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Grammar’s headteacher talks about leading a school through a pandemic
• Parents and staff object to closure of Harrogate district school
• In depth: Bleak future for Harrogate district rural schools?

The trust has said the reason for its decision was that the school currently had 22 pupils in two classes, one for key stage one and the other for key stage two. Some year groups have just one student.

The school, which is a grade II listed building, has a maximum capacity of 60 students.

Cllr Patrick Mulligan, the county council’s education executive member, said previously that the authority was powerless to stop the closure as the decision would ultimately be made by the Schools Commissioner and Mr Zahawi.

He said there were sufficient school places in the area for Baldersby St James pupils to go elsewhere should the school close.

The catchment area for Baldersby St James is expected to be extended to Dishforth Church of England Primary School.

Baldersby St James school was built by Lord Downe following the establishment of the village in 1850. The school has served generations of pupils in Baldersby St James, Rainton and the surrounding areas.

A proposed amalgamation of two Harrogate primary schools is set to be shelved.

The plan would have seen Woodfield Community Primary School close and become part of Grove Road Community Primary School, which would be based across the two sites from September.

However, governors at Grove Road have withdrawn their support for the plans.

It leaves the future of Woodfield hanging in the balance, with its governors saying they need time to consider what will happen next.

They said:

‘’We are saddened to hear about Grove Road’s decision to withdraw support for the amalgamation.

“It has been a difficult time for Woodfield School, and we were very hopeful​​​ that a satisfactory conclusion could found for the future of the school. The school, staff, parents, and governors need a time of reflection before we make any decisions regarding the school’s future.

“We will continue to consult with North Yorkshire County Council regarding any future decisions.’’

Some Woodfield school parents spoke out against the merger.

The proposal had been met with shock and disappointment from some residents, who said they valued the school and did not want to see it closed. A consultation was held for parents and the wider community to enable the schools and North Yorkshire County Council to gather people’s views.

However, the county council is now proposing that the amalgamation should not proceed, with a decision to be made by its executive on April 19.

The merger was put forward after Woodfield was rated inadequate by Ofsted, forcing it to look to be taken on by a multi-academy trust. Ofsted inspectors found the school was making progress, but no academy could be found to take Woodfield on.

Read more:

• Moves to close Woodfield School in Bilton to begin next week
• County council ‘would give Woodfield school more time to improve if it could’
• Parents vow to fight closure of ‘fantastic’ Woodfield primary school

Today, Grove Road’s governors said in a statement:

“When first approached about the amalgamation the leadership and governors could see the potential benefits of the proposal for the communities of both schools and were supportive of the consultation. However, a change of such significance also carries risk.

“During the consultation period we have monitored factors such as the level of support for the proposal and the likely demand for school places.

“Ultimately, the governing board have concluded that we must prioritise the future of Grove Road School and so, sadly, we can no longer support the proposed amalgamation.”

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for education and skills, Cllr Patrick Mulligan, told the Stray Ferret in November that the council would have liked to give Woodfield school more time, but its hands were tied by national policy.

He also said the process could be a “downward spiral”, with a poor rating resulting in fewer applications and admissions, then a struggle to make the school viable.

Today, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of children and young people services, Stuart Carlton, said:

“Any proposal to expand a school onto an additional site is a significant change with challenges that should not be underestimated. So, while we are disappointed the proposal is no longer supported, we fully understand why Grove Road governors now have that view.

“I would like to thank the leadership and governors of both schools for their efforts in working with us on this amalgamation proposal.

“We will now need to work alongside the Department for Education and governors at Woodfield primary to re-consider the position for the school over the coming weeks before we are able to comment further.” 

Coppice Valley Primary School is hoping to raise £10,000 to improve its library and provide a space for students to be inspired by books.

The current space inside the Harrogate school is more than 20 years old and the second-hand shelving is beginning to collapse.

The plan is to use the funds to completely redesign the space with new storage, books and floor mats.

Ms Emma Meadus, headteacher, said the school set up a covid-safe book swap outside during the pandemic and because of that many books weren’t returned or were returned in poor condition.

The school wants to improve its current library.

The school has had a quote from a design company of £8,800. Any remaining donations will be used to buy new books.

Ms Meadus said:

“It’s been a make-shift, make-do area and the books are in need of an upgrade. We knew it needed to be better for our kids, we have a lot of catch-up learning to do after the pandemic and we want a beautiful space for the kids to be inspired.”

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The school is celebrating its 50th anniversary in September and hopes the library will be a legacy project.

Although the target is £10,000, the school wants to raise £20,000 over the next two years it so it can build another library for younger children in a separate area of the school.

To support the school’s appeal, click here.

Ofsted has given Richard Taylor Funclub in Bilton a glowing report following an inspection.

The education inspectors visited the club, which operates at Richard Taylor Church of England Primary School on Bilton Lane, in February.

Funclub is a private company that provides before and after school care for children as well as holiday care. The club also runs services at Pannal, Oatlands, Rossett Acre and St Peter’s Primary School on Belford Road in Harrogate.

Ofsted found that children who attended the club had “strong bonds” with staff and that Funclub had “robust recruitment procedures in place”.

The report said:

“The dedicated and passionate management team is committed to providing the best quality experiences they can for children.

“They evaluate the quality of the club and are continually seeking ways to improve.”

Read more:

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Inspectors also found that the club had effective safeguarding measures in place and had “strong partnerships” with the school.

They also said the children with special educational needs and disabilities were “exceptionally well supported” and that parents described the club as “fully inclusive” for children.

Jenny Rowlands, director of Funclub Ltd, said:

“I am over the moon with the report. After all of the challenges over the past few years having the children back having fun and playing socially again is amazing. Having our hard work recognised like this has been really positive and a welcome boost.

“Working in primary schools meant during the pandemic we had to keep children within their class bubbles even after school, so if some there were only a few kids from each class it was really difficult for some children.

“All of our teams have worked really hard and getting an outside pat on the back from Ofsted has been brilliant.”