Last Christmas party at closing primary school

Children at a primary school in Nottingham that is due to close next summer have been treated to a big Christmas celebration after teachers pledged to make sure the school "goes out with a bang".

Snape Wood Primary and Nursery School in Bulwell had 62 pupils in September, despite a capacity of 210 - with unfilled spaces expected to hit 60% by 2028.

In November the city council approved the closure and said all pupils were guaranteed a place at neighbouring schools.

Head teacher Colette Morris said: "We want to make it the best possible year for the children."

In September, there were only three pupils in Year 2 and four in Reception.

The authority said there had been a significant fall in pupil numbers due to lower birth rates in the Bulwell area.

A council report said there were 649 births in Bulwell in 2010-11, which fell to 391 births in 2023-24.

To make the Christmas party extra special, staff had been fundraising and made an appeal for extra help - with BBC Radio Nottingham listeners among those who came forward to donate.

This meant the children got to meet Santa and his elves, the school was decorated with items including a snow machine and a mechanical reindeer, Disney characters came to perform and a DJ hosted a disco.

Ms Morris said: "It's our last year here at Snape Wood so we want to make it the best possible year for the children so we thought we'd go out with a bang with a good celebration.

"Yes, it's been a challenge, it's been an absolutely fantastic opportunity and we just want to support the children and the staff and make it a really positive year."

For one pupil the highlight of the party was a video message from Nottingham Forest's Zach Abbott.

Benjamin said: "It's been amazing. It's been crazy because we never get big stuff happening in our school.

"It's been a good Christmas which is really good because some people don't have a good Christmas.

"I'm very sad about the school closing because its the only school I've been to and I will miss my friends and teachers."

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