Parents have been left “completely devastated” by Calderdale Council’s decision to press ahead with plans which could see their children’s school shut.

Several concerned residents were at yesterday’s council cabinet meeting expecting to get answers to questions submitted about the threat of closing Colden Junior and Infant School, above Hebden Bridge.

Instead, they were read a short statement by cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services Councillor Tim Holden.

Council leader Daniel Sutherland told residents they would be able to involve themselves in a forthcoming consultation but would not be able to pose questions to the cabinet members.

Councillors went on to agree the recommendation that a consultation on closing the school should begin.

As first reported by the Courier, Colden Junior and Infant School, may have to shut because it does not have enough pupils.

There are currently just 35 children enrolled, and no pupils in its Reception class.

In addition, a council assessment has identified around £332,000 of “urgent condition works” needed to maintain the school building “so that it can remain safe and operational”.

But families of pupils are determined to try to save the school and were bitterly disappointed at not being able to receive answers at yesterday’s meeting.

“We are completely devastated,” said one parent, Kat Molesworth.

“We came to the meeting in good faith, expecting to get answers to our requests for information about how the council has reached the point of considering closure of our beloved school.

"But instead we were just told these were questions they would address during the consultation.

“These are fundamental questions about the future of our school and our children.

"We are deeply disappointed that cabinet approved the report without giving us the answers we came to seek.

“We have received so many messages this week from both current and former parents expressing their concern over the closure proposals.

“There are many children who thrive in a small school setting who will find it very hard to cope with a move to a bigger school, and transport will be a nightmare for many families.

“Colden is a very special school. It is a place where children are known and cared for as individuals, where different ages learn and play together and where the whole community is involved.”

Colden School: Councillors to get grilling from concerned parents over Calderdal...

She urged everyone who wants to see the school stay open to make their voices heard by taking part in the council consultation.

In his statement, Coun Holden thanked everyone who had submitted questions and said proposing a consultation on the school’s closure “is not a decision that anyone takes lightly".

"All views submitted through the consultation process will be taken into consideration before any decision can be taken over whether to publish formal statutory notices to close,” he added.

He said council officers have explored several options with the school’s governing body, including the possibility of the school being part of a multi-academy trust.

He also said officers have worked with the school and applied a number of the principals in the small school strategy - which was also on the agenda for discussion at the meeting- including ways to reduce costs and change class structures.

"This has enabled the school to remain viable up to this point,” he said.

"But forecasts ahead show that the school is not sustainable, with far more children leaving than joining.”

He denied that the council has instructed the school not to promote that places are available there.

He also said that if the school does shut, the council will be able to help all parents find “a suitable local school which is able to meet their child’s needs”.

"There is lots of available capacity in other local schools in the area,” he said.