Teaching staff have quit a Leeds primary school despite a council U-turn to close it down.
Queensway Primary School's Headteacher, Mark Duce, has said he and his colleagues have sought new employment due to uncertainty surrounding the school's prospects. Leeds City Council had previously announced the school's closure for this summer, but legal challenges mounted by parents prompted a pause in the process.
But it was too late for teachers to change their plans. Mr Duce said: "Despite the halting of the second consultation to close the school and due to the lack of clarity provided regarding the long-term future of Queensway at this stage, class teachers and myself have had to make the incredibly difficult decision to leave the school at the end of the summer.
"I am working alongside governors at present to ensure an effective leadership and teaching team is in place for September and will endeavour to share updates as soon as we are able to do so.
"We thank our parents and potential parents for their patience at this time."
The closure threat has been the second the Yeadon school has suffered since 2022, which previously led to significant objections from parents.
Concerns were voiced over the welfare of children with special educational needs amid deliberations on the school’s future. Diminishing student enrolment and fiscal strains cast doubts on the long-term viability of Queensway.
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But law firm Irwin Mitchell stymied the closure, citing irregularities in how the consultation was conducted.
At a recent executive board meeting, Alan Lamb, head of the city's Conservative group, highlighted the need for improved communication from the council regarding school policy for children's parents. He said: "What's been fed back to me is there has been a total lack of clarity. Very limited communication."
Meanwhile, Julie Longworth, the council's director of children and families, acknowledged the issues that had arisen, saying: "We have been in regular communication and conversation with the leaders in the school and also with the governors."
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Labour's executive member Helen Hayden reassured concerned parties that the council stands ready to provide guidance and support. She said: "The statutory consultation was paused and therefore Queensway will be open as a school in September."
In response to past problems, the council initiated a "lessons learned" review aiming at refining procedures for future decision-making on school affairs. Findings and suggested actions stemming from this review are slated for debate by members of the Children and Families scrutiny board during their Wednesday gathering on June 25.
