A PROTEST against a proposed shake-up of education at a popular Prestatyn primary school has been launched.
Concerns are growing at the prospect of a potential merger of Bodnant Infants and Junior schools which would see its future intake slashed and a reduction in the number of school places.
The protest, which is headed by a petition, has followed the issuing of a letter from the Parent Teachers Association at Bodnant, stressing the need for urgent action to prevent the consequences of a new school.
One mother, who asked not to be named, whose daughter attends the school, said: “The school has been there for generations and I’m not happy about future generations missing out.
“Myself and many other parents have signed a petition in school already against the plans. As a protest I’m sure many parents sign it too.”
Another mum said: “Bodnant as a school has a fantastic reputation. I can't believe they are even considering capping the amount of pupils in this way.
“My daughter currently attends Bodnant Infants and if these plans are passed her brother will not be able to follow her. Limiting places in this way simply is not fair and I am determined to stop it.
The letter, headed PLEASE READ THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, said the PTA had “heard on good authority that Denbighshire County Council intend to amalgamate Bodnant Infants and Bodnant Juniors schools”, with the intention of creating a “one stream entry school”.
It added: “This will mean there will be only 30 places per year group for all children between the ages of three to 11.
“For Bodnant Infants our school will lose 50 per cent of places and 66 per cent reduction in child places for the junior school.
“At present we are unaware when this will happen but we can’t afford not to take action now as, if this is enforced in September 2010, our children’s places at both schools are at risk.
“Ultimately this will reduce access for us parents to decide which school we wish to send our children to as we will have no choice.”
A statement from Denbighshire County Council said a review of primary school provision in Prestatyn was taking place to meet the increased demand for Welsh medium education, reduce surplus places in English speaking schools and cut down on mobile classroom use.
The authority insisted despite no formal decisions had been taken and if adopted would not affect any pupils currently at the school, instead only entry in future years.
The review includes seven schools in the Prestatyn area. As well as Bodnant Infants and Juniors, it covers Ysgol Penmorfa, Ysgol Y Llys, Ysgol Clawdd Offa, Ysgol Melyd and Ysgol Hiraddug.
Over the past six months the council has met headteachers, chairs of governors, county councillors, town councillors and cabinet members about a number of potential options for the area.
Officers are expected to commence feasibility work to determine whether capping the admissions of Bodnant Infants to 30, allowing for the amalgamation of Bodnant Infants and Junior on the Junior school site as an eventual one form entry school providing 210 full-time places.