School closure pause leaves parents 'uncertain'
BBCParents say they are living in "uncertainty" despite a pause on proposals to shut down or merge a primary school.
North Tyneside Council announced last month it was looking at a number of measures, including merging Langley First School and Appletree Gardens First School in Whitley Bay, on the latter's site.
The plans for the merger were paused earlier this week to allow Langley to attempt academisation but parents want assurances it will stay open even if that fails.
Councillor Joanne Sharp said "as a council we have a responsibility to make sure our education system is sustainable" and said the council would continue working with Langley as it tries to become an academy.
A petition, signed by over 6,000 people, was presented to the local authority on Thursday, calling on the council to preserve the school according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Petition starter Aaron Stein, said: "Ultimately and unfortunately, this decision does not remove uncertainty for parents.
"It has to be recognised this consultation has caused damage to the school and will undoubtedly affect admissions for 2026.
"If academisation does not work, we fear, no we know, another massive mistake will be made shutting down Langley First School."
North Tyneside Council said the consultation was necessary on the basis of falling birth rates, equivalent to 300 fewer birth each year since 2018/19, and the impacts on school budgets across the area.
It previously said it expected the number of school-age children in the borough to drop by about 3,000 by 2034, creating an untenable surplus of places.
Councillor Sharp said: "The strength of feeling we have heard during the consultation and tonight is real.
"It is sincere and it reflects how deeply local families value Langley as a part of their community.
"However as a council we have a responsibility to make sure our education system is sustainable, financially secure and able to offer the best possible outcomes for children across the whole of the borough."
