A RALLYING cry has been issued by parents fighting to save a primary school from closing.

Christ Church CE Primary School in Chalford, which is voluntarily aided, is currently under consultation for closure due to the lack of pupils attending, with just 22 on role currently.

But a petition has been started by concerned parents who see the school as vital for their children and the wider community.

In a letter to parents, the school’s headteacher, Rebecca Slater, and chair of governors, Angela Wilson, said: “As you will be aware, falling numbers of children on role at the school have been causing concern for some time. Unfortunately, the governing body have published a consultation document regarding the closure of the school.

“This decision is entirely due to the lack of pupils at the school, and is in no way a reflection on the high quality education your children are receiving.

“It is felt that it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the social needs of the children, with such small pupil groups.”

The school offers eight reception places a year with 56 places available.

In September 2018 and 2019 only one pupil joined the reception each year, and the school currently only has 22 pupils, with 34 surplus places.

The school’s governing body is concerned that the children’s social development is being impacted because of the lack of pupils at the school.

They have said the significant drop in numbers has impacted the school’s ability to provide the best learning environment possible.

The governing body is consulting on the proposed closure of the school by August 31, 2021, with the support of the Diocese of Gloucester and Gloucestershire County Council.

Pamela Paloletti, whose daughter attends the school, started the petition against the planned closure.

The aim is to gain support from the local community to save the school and find ways to increase pupil numbers.

Pamela said: “In my opinion, this school offers a different educational experience to the other bigger schools simply because it’s smaller.

“Parents should be allowed to have that choice too, because in education one size does not suit all pupils.

“With smaller class sizes, the calmer and empathetic approach suits quite a lot of children.

“It’s not just about figures, academics and league tables – the teaching and support that Christ Church gives us is second to none.”

Susan Rosbotham, who was a teacher at the primary school for 35 years, said it was a ‘terrible blow for Chalford’.

“School numbers always varied greatly over the years from about 50 down to 28,” said Susan.

“My mother, who is 95, went there and a lot of her family and mine did as well.”

Kate Andrews, a governor at another local school, said the potential closure represents a wider issue.

“Sadly, pupil numbers are an issue for all of our amazing local schools,” she said. “People stay put in their houses now and don’t move on, meaning young families don’t move into the area.

“Also, families can’t afford to live in many of the smaller villages – it’s a nationwide problem.”

Hannah Pitcher’s daughter currently attends the school, and she is also an ex-pupil herself.

She believes smaller classes can really benefit some children.

She said: “Ultimately small schools are disappearing and for those of us who need a tailor-made education, or feel we need a alternative education for our children, these schools are invaluable.

“I have first hand experience as to how this school develops both children who are both exceptionally gifted, and those with special educational needs. We can’t afford to lose these small schools.”

Parents and residents have been invited to submit their views as part of the consultation process, which can be found on the school’s website via bit.ly/3aRKwb5

An information drop-in meeting will also take place at the school on Thursday February 13, between 5pm and 6pm.

To sign the petition, go to bit.ly/36Yd2EO.